The fight against mosquitoes in the Region of Central Macedonia has already begun, with the first teams carrying out operations in both urban and natural environments. As Spiros Mourelatos explains on the show “O Men kai i De” with Christos Tsalikidis and Maria Tsakiri on 102FM, the program is already fully operational, aiming to promptly control mosquito populations and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
As he explains, only female mosquitoes bite, as they need protein for reproduction. Factors such as perspiration, body weight, and each person’s unique body odor influence whom mosquitoes “prefer.”
For this year, increased rainfall does not necessarily mean more mosquitoes, as temperatures and weather conditions over the coming months will play a significant role. At this time, only minor nuisances are being observed in very specific areas of Chalkidiki and around Thessaloniki.
Special mention was also made of the well-known “tiger” mosquito (Aedes albopictus), an invasive species that has been established in Greece for years and adapts exceptionally well to the urban environment. Unlike most common mosquitoes, which are active mainly at night, the tiger mosquito bites primarily during the day, especially in the afternoon. Its presence is directly linked to small pools of standing water in yards, on balconies, and in urban areas.
Finally, he emphasized the importance of citizen participation. Simple actions such as removing standing water, properly maintaining our yards and gardens, and avoiding water accumulation in flowerpots or containers can significantly reduce the chances of mosquitoes breeding within the urban environment.
Listen to the excerpt from the show in Greek below: