Glory days live in the last months”common mosquito» (Culex pipiens) due to the mild winter that preceded it and the spring showers that have taken place in recent weeks. “The results of this year’s entomological studies showed intense winter activity of the Culex pipiens species for the season in several areas of the Attica basin,” he explained to K. Dr. Antonios Michalakis, Head of the Laboratory of Insects and Parasites Important to Health at the Benakeio Phytopathological Institute, which, in cooperation with the Attica region, is implementing the program “Registration of the presence and seasonal changes of mosquitoes” with an extensive system of “traps”. “Combined with favorable conditions currently prevailing (rainfall and normal temperatures for the season), there are many increased populations of the common mosquito,” he adds, confirming the feeling that mosquitoes in Greece never leave us. “This is a clear sign that climate change has already begun,” emphasizes Dr. Michalakis.

“Summer also extended the presence of the “tiger” mosquito,” he notes, “in all previous years, the activity of the “tiger” mosquito ended in late November – early December. But this year it remained active until the end of January. From then until the end of March it was inactive and was reactivated in early April.” It is stated that the common mosquito is active only at night, while the “tiger” attacks during the day. The third genus of mosquitoes that is currently endemic in our country is mosquitoes. useless mosquitoes (Anopheles), which are active at dusk or at night and can become malaria vectors when infected. “Based on the information we have about traps, in 2021 and 2022 they were recorded in areas of Eastern Attica, such as Lutsa, Marathon, Porto Rafti and Elefsina, because there are swamps,” he clarifies, “but the situation is under absolute control, since the competent service of the region (Eastern Attica region) annually carries out timely interventions either from the air (after special permission) or with application on the spot. Indeed, according to the official EODY report, malaria was eradicated in Greece in 1974, since then 20-110 imported cases of malaria have been recorded throughout the country every year (that is, from travelers arriving or returning from endemic countries and falling ill there).

Beware of pots and standing water

But summer is starting and the mosquitoes seem to be in a wild mood. Are we fortified? “Our mosquito control program is based on entomological observation: we map the breeding sites of species and their populations, assess the level of disturbance, the presence and variety of mosquito-borne diseases.” Every Friday afternoon throughout the year, the leaders of all the competent authorities of the basin have weekly data at their disposal, which gives the first insight into the situation from the very beginning. (ps statistics for the rest of Greece is not so complete). Also every week, in collaboration with EODY, samples of common mosquitoes are being tested to determine if they carry West Nile virus..

“When we suddenly see a huge increase in the number of samples, we, together with the competent department of the region and the municipality, go to the area to find out what happened,” he says. The mystery will soon be solved. The following interpretations are most common – garden hearths, such as pot saucer, tin buckets for watering, black fertilizer bags, watering cans for pets, garbage (anything that can hold water, soda cans, coffee cups, used tires), abandoned cars (especially those with broken windows).

“But also construction errors,” he adds, “water tanks, water clock wells, wells in general, garage grates (especially underground ones), broken drains, broken irrigation systems.” It is reminded that larvae breed in stagnant water, which will develop into mosquitoes. “A mosquito will lay 300 eggs, of which 150 are females, and in ten days they will lay another 300 eggs,” Dr. Mikhailakis explains schematically, “if you do the calculation, you understand how quickly the situation can get out of hand.” and why it is considered necessary to change our habits.”

The findings of the visit are evaluated by the team and a decision is made on the appropriate action or action, such as managing breeding sites, informing citizens, applying an approved biocide, etc. In addition to entomological monitoring, Benacio conducts a number of studies. programs. If you’d like to contribute, you can report mosquitoes in your area, as well as bites you’ve received through Mosquito alertmobile application and information about mosquitoes that you will find on the territory.

Iliupoli case and plastic flowers

“Come and drive away the mosquitoes!“. Many times, ma’am. Vivi Casorida, an agronomist and responsible for mosquito control in the municipality of Ilioupolis, receives similar requests from panicked citizens. “We will come to find the problem,” she tells them, for whom spraying is not an option. “We are monitoring and informing citizens, who usually respond positively.” Its target group are toddlers who attend kindergartens. “Parents will read the flyers their kids give them and are more likely to follow some simple instructions,” he jokes. As a last resort, he has a larvicide in his quiver that touches some wells.

“We tried to fix all the “critical points” in our municipality and placed some traps, with the assistance of a specialized external partner,” she explains to K. “We know which wells are on the slope and can collect water, and which are not, and we have traps in cemetery and also in municipal garage“. Cemeteries are considered important breeding grounds for mosquitoes because of the flower vases. “We are trying to subtly point out to the world that standing water is always a problem,” Ms. Casorida notes, explaining that “the water in the fountain, where it is constantly recycled, does not bother us, but water in a pot or jarwhere it doesn’t change for a long time, that’s a problem.” Therefore, it is recommended either use of plastic flowersor regular water changes so that it does not stagnate.