Nicosia steps up mosquito spraying as breeding sites rise after rainfall
Nicosia municipality has intensified mosquito control efforts after recent rainfall led to increased breeding sites, most of them inside residential properties.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Nicosia municipality is increasing mosquito spraying across the city after more than 60 per cent of breeding sites were found within residential properties following recent rainfall.
Municipal health services chief Michalis Lagos said rain, increased sunshine and high temperatures had created favourable conditions for mosquitoes to hatch.
Residential breeding sites
Health officer Efi Hadjikosti said municipal staff had been working overtime and during weekends to respond to a growing number of resident complaints. Engomi was identified as the worst affected area.
She said most breeding grounds requiring council intervention were located in homes or neighbouring properties, citing flowerpot saucers, unused swimming pools and pet water bowls in which water had not been replaced.
Hadjikosti urged residents to inspect the exterior of their properties after storms and remove standing water.
Prevention measures
Lagos said mosquitoes have a life cycle of about nine days, meaning the prompt removal of stagnant water can interrupt the breeding cycle.
He said a previous infestation had been traced by municipal staff to a single forgotten jar of water inside a home.
Scheduled spraying
Alongside household prevention measures, the municipality conducts scheduled spraying along rivers in Engomi, Kaimakli, Pallouriotissa and Aglandjia.
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