Costa del Sol
Experts on the control of plagues have warned about new breeding sites attracted by the persistent heat and the presence of stagnant water.
Aug 20, 2015 - 12:03 PM
The Tiger Mosquito is making its home in Málaga and the Costa del Sol
Experts on the control of plagues have warned about new breeding sites attracted by the persistent heat and the presence of stagnant water.
Aug 20, 2015 - 12:03 PM
The species of Asian origin is considered to be one of the 100 most damaging invading species in the world according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).
The bite of the mosquito, which is recognised by its striped body and legs, provokes strong skin reactions, and can also transmit disease such as the leishmaniasis which is dangerous for dogs, and where it is endemic (in the cellars of a boat) it can cause malaria or yellow fever, although no cases have been seen in Spain. This was explained by technical director of the plague control company Anticimex España, Jordi Tapias, who is an expert in this insect and has been talking to Diario Sur in Málaga.
Hours – The Tiger Mosquito, in contrary to what you might think, has a daytime activity, especially between the hours 6am and 10am and 4pm and 10pm. Only the females bite, as they need the blood to be able to lay their eggs.
False remedies – Tapias rejects the miracle remedies which many people use. Most people believe it is attracted by light and also think ultrasound devices and homemade remedies, such as basil, garlic or ammonium are effective, but they are not.
Popular victims - The Tiger Mosquito chooses it’s victims in several ways: it will be attracted by the ammonia in sweat, and also in some perfumes such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
As in all mosquitoes, it has a thermal sensor, and is guided by heat which is released by the human body, but it also has a sense of smell and perspiration. So some people are more appetising than others, the individuals who are overweight and pregnant women are the most likely to be bitten, meanwhile blood group 0 has a higher risk than A, B, or AB.
How to avoid them – According to this expert, the key is in a good prevention and for that reason has suggested some advice. The principal is to avoid at all cost stagnant water close to your home, so any water tanks, ornamental fountains, or ponds if not in use should be drained and cleaned. We have to be careful when we interrupt the processes of nature and so we should respect the predatory species which devour the Tiger Mosquito, such as geckos, lizards, frogs, birds and bats which carryout a biological and natural control on this plague and many others.
In extreme cases, insecticides or magic remedies will be no good, and all that can be done is protecting the window with anti-mosquito nets and keep exterior doors closed as much as you can.
Tiger Mosquito - Archive photo
|
The bite of the mosquito, which is recognised by its striped body and legs, provokes strong skin reactions, and can also transmit disease such as the leishmaniasis which is dangerous for dogs, and where it is endemic (in the cellars of a boat) it can cause malaria or yellow fever, although no cases have been seen in Spain. This was explained by technical director of the plague control company Anticimex España, Jordi Tapias, who is an expert in this insect and has been talking to Diario Sur in Málaga.
Hours – The Tiger Mosquito, in contrary to what you might think, has a daytime activity, especially between the hours 6am and 10am and 4pm and 10pm. Only the females bite, as they need the blood to be able to lay their eggs.
False remedies – Tapias rejects the miracle remedies which many people use. Most people believe it is attracted by light and also think ultrasound devices and homemade remedies, such as basil, garlic or ammonium are effective, but they are not.
Popular victims - The Tiger Mosquito chooses it’s victims in several ways: it will be attracted by the ammonia in sweat, and also in some perfumes such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
As in all mosquitoes, it has a thermal sensor, and is guided by heat which is released by the human body, but it also has a sense of smell and perspiration. So some people are more appetising than others, the individuals who are overweight and pregnant women are the most likely to be bitten, meanwhile blood group 0 has a higher risk than A, B, or AB.
How to avoid them – According to this expert, the key is in a good prevention and for that reason has suggested some advice. The principal is to avoid at all cost stagnant water close to your home, so any water tanks, ornamental fountains, or ponds if not in use should be drained and cleaned. We have to be careful when we interrupt the processes of nature and so we should respect the predatory species which devour the Tiger Mosquito, such as geckos, lizards, frogs, birds and bats which carryout a biological and natural control on this plague and many others.
In extreme cases, insecticides or magic remedies will be no good, and all that can be done is protecting the window with anti-mosquito nets and keep exterior doors closed as much as you can.
Comment Form is loading comments...
