Orihuela City Council has stepped up mosquito and chironomid control measures across the municipality following a sharp rise in insect activity linked to recent rainfall, rising temperatures and the accumulation of stagnant water in various areas.
The enhanced programme, announced by Councillor for the Environment Noelia Grao alongside representatives from specialist pest-control company CTL, includes permanent monitoring, weekly inspections, larvicide treatments and expanded public awareness campaigns aimed particularly at tackling the spread of tiger mosquitoes.
The announcement was made near the Palmeral of Orihuela, one of the areas where control operations have been intensified in recent weeks due to increased mosquito and non-biting midge populations.
Grao said the council had recently renewed its specialist mosquito-control contract for a further three years, with the possibility of extending the agreement for an additional two years. She acknowledged that weather conditions had created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and chironomids throughout the municipality.
“Everyone has noticed a significant increase in mosquitoes in recent weeks, especially in certain parts of the municipality, but behind the scenes there is also a constant programme of prevention, monitoring and treatment aimed at reducing the impact on residents as much as possible,” she said.
The municipality-wide service covers Orihuela city, surrounding districts and the coast, with different treatment strategies depending on the type of insect and local environmental conditions.
According to CTL technical director Salima Pérez, key problem areas in the city include the Segura River zone, irrigation channels and drainage systems around the Palmeral and Los Huertos, as well as sewer networks and storm drains where tiger mosquitoes commonly breed.
Pérez explained that the control strategy focuses primarily on destroying larvae before they develop into flying adult insects. Weekly inspections and preventative treatments are carried out year-round, while stronger adulticide spraying is used only when necessary and always under technical supervision.
She also highlighted the growing challenge posed by tiger mosquitoes, noting that around 90 per cent of breeding sites are found on private property rather than in public spaces.
“A flowerpot tray with water, an abandoned bucket, an animal water bowl or an untreated swimming pool can all become significant breeding points,” Pérez warned.
The council is now preparing to launch a wider information campaign through social media, videos and educational material, while also organising talks with neighbourhood associations to encourage residents to help prevent mosquito breeding around homes and gardens.
Residents can report mosquito-related problems directly to the Environment Department through the municipal hotline or email service, with complaints passed immediately to the specialist treatment teams for inspection and intervention.
City officials stressed that while the council maintains a permanent prevention programme throughout the year, public cooperation remains essential in reducing mosquito populations and minimising disruption during the warmer months.
