Parts of Spain are bracing themselves as they’re put on “red alert” over fears of a looming mosquito invasion triggered by the recent heavy rainfalls that have lashed the popular EU holiday destination. The torrent of storms – such as Jana, Konrad, Laurence and Martinho – have left behind pools of stagnant water ideal for a mosquito breeding frenzy, sparking concerns among experts about a potential rise in West Nile Virus cases.
As reported by Europa Sur, authorities advise postponing fumigation until the excess water has vanished. Meanwhile, as a precaution, they’ve recommended some handy tips to keep the insects at bay.
These include: fitting nets on windows and doors; strategically placing lemon halves or bowls of vinegar around to deter them with their smell; and cultivating mosquito-repelling plants such as citronella, which release scents mosquitoes hate.
For those seeking natural solutions, water diffusers loaded with eucalyptus and lemon essential oils can work wonders as repellents. Moreover, travellers from the UK might consider DIY traps that utilise warm water, brown sugar, and yeast concoctions which produce gases that attract and capture these insects.
The bites of these insects can cause more than just an annoying itch, they can also trigger severe allergic reactions in some people.
In cases of excessive inflammation, pharmacists recommend using antihistamine creams to alleviate symptoms, reports Birmingham Live.
UK tourist hotspots such as Gibraltar and Tarifa, famed for their beaches and water sports, along with natural parks like Los Alcornocales and Roman ruins like Baelo Claudia are under threat, as well as Andalucia, Seville, Malaga and Granada.
City councils in high-risk areas are being urged to develop a Municipal Vector Surveillance and Control Plan (PMVCV), implementing specific measures to reduce mosquito populations and minimise the risk of virus transmission.
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