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Date Published: 08/07/2024

Alhama de Murcia Anti-Mosquito Campaign 2024: Recommendations for keeping mosquitoes at bay

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Homeowners can carry out a few simple measures to reduce the spread of nuisance mosquitoes this summer

Alhama de Murcia Anti-Mosquito Campaign 2024: Recommendations for keeping mosquitoes at bay

Alhama de Murcia Town Hall is working tirelessly from mid-March, when the temperatures begin heating up, until the second half of December to control the mosquito population in the area.

Tiger mosquitoes are particularly prevalent in Alhama and since it’s estimated that 85% of their breeding grounds are located on private property, the authorities are appealing to residents and visitors to do their bit to eradicate these pesky insects.

As part of the 2024 campaign, the Alhama de Murcia Town Hall has issued the following recommendations:

Home basics

Covering containers: Cover all containers (buckets, basins, flower pots, vases, ashtrays, dog bowls, etc.) that have accumulated water and are needed for later use.

Emptying accumulation points: Empty all containers of any kind that have accumulated water and cannot be covered, paying special attention to the saucers under flower pots. Pay special attention to awnings and plastic coverings, which can retain enough water in their folds to encourage the biological cycle of mosquitoes.

Renewing the water in drinking bowls: Change the water in pet drinking bowls every 48 hours at the most, and every 24 hours during July and August.

Roof inspection: Eliminate water retained in drainage channels, such as those found on roofs, terraces or balconies.

Emptying or treating swimming pools: Empty inflatable plastic pools if they are not going to be used. When in use, treat the water periodically to prevent the hatching of mosquito eggs.

Accumulation of water on pool covers: After periods of rain, surface puddles must be completely removed.

Farms: On rural farms, avoid water accumulations in ponds, reservoirs, basins, pipes, ditches, siphons, water dividers and other irrigation structures. In the event that these accumulations occur and remain for more than 48 hours (24 in periods of maximum heat) their water must be treated to prevent the appearance of adult insects).

Sealing holes in trees: In rural areas, holes in trunks and branches of trees that could accumulate water must also be covered in with soil or sand.

Larvicidal treatments: In areas where water is going to accumulate despite the above measures (reservoirs, ponds, basins, siphons, tanks, etc.) protective nets should be installed to prevent the access of mosquitoes or periodic larvicidal treatments should be carried out. For the latter, the most effective method is to use biological means by inoculating with Bacillus thuringiensis.

As with all products, there are several commercial brands to choose from, basically in two formats, liquid or solid, in the latter case normally in granules. Since the continued use of the same insecticide ends up causing resistance in the mosquito that we are trying to control, it is advisable to alternate it with Bacillus sphaericus.

Personal protection against mosquitoes

Most mosquitoes can reach any part of the human body, whereas tiger mosquitoes usually fly around 50-60cm from the ground.

Outings: Avoid walking or passing through areas with abundant vegetation and near water courses or stagnant bodies, especially at dawn and dusk.

Clothing: Wear clothes that cover the entire body, and ensure that your clothing is thick enough but not tight, as mosquitoes can sting through fabric. Some experts advise wearing light-coloured, non-bright clothing.

Repellents: Use mosquito repellents at least during the hours of greatest exposure, especially at dusk. If the presence of tiger mosquitoes is detected, these protectors must be specific for this species, otherwise they will not be effective.

In this case, it must be remembered that these products cannot be used on children under 2 years of age and should be used with caution on under 14s.

If you’re applying mosquito repellent alongside sunscreen, put your sun block on around 20 minutes before the insect spray.

Reapply frequently: Many things impact the effectiveness of bug sprays, including sweating, bathing, the application of other products etc., so it will be necessary to reapply when mosquitoes are most active.

As a general guide, every 10ºC increase in temperature decreases the protection time of mosquito repellents by 50%.

Personal hygiene: Proper personal hygiene, avoiding sweating and strong body odours, reduces the chance of being bitten.

Strong scents: Certain perfumes, colognes or soaps and sprays with strong, sweet scents can be attractive to mosquitoes.

Cold and wind: These tend to help, which is why air conditioning often prevents mosquitoes from appearing. Using fans in closed spaces can also help keep them away.

What to do if you are bitten

Do not scratch to avoid infections.
Clean and disinfect the affected area.
Apply a cold compress to the area.
Apply ammonia-based ointments or sprays (caution for children under 2 years of age or sensitive individuals).
If discomfort persists or more serious reactions occur, consult a doctor.

For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Alhama Today

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Tourist Office Alhama de Murcia, Plaza Constitucion. Frente Auditorio, nº 10, 30840, ALHAMA DE MURCIA

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Oficina de Turismo de Alhama de Murcia

Alhama de Murcia Tourist Office

Alhama de Murcia Tourist information office is located on the edge of the Plaza de la Constitución, just a few metres away from the underground car park and the Town hall of Alhama de Murcia.

The tourist office offers free guided audiotours in English which take visitors around the historical sites of interest in Alhama. These be loaned at any time, although allow an hour and a half to complete the tour, and when loaning the audio equipment visitors are asked to leave passports or ID cards with the tourist office.

The office also carries a full range of leaflets for the archaeological museum of Los Baños, which is built around the historic spa which gives Alhama its name, and the mountains of Sierra Espuña, which is also an important area within the municipality of Alhama. Areas such as El Berro and Gebas have a number of interesting routes which can be followed and there are several picnic areas and good walking routes within the Sierra Espuña natural park.

The tourist office also carries leaflets for the many cultural events and fiestas which take place in Alhama throughout the year, including Los Mayos, Semana Santa, Christmas,the Romería of La Candelaria and the Auto de los Reyes Magos in El Berro.