The Alcobendas City Council has intensified recommendations to prevent the reproduction of the tiger mosquito, especially after the rains. The main measure is to eliminate any accumulation of stagnant water in homes and public spaces.
The Municipal Health Service of the Alcobendas City Council has updated its guidelines to curb the proliferation of the tiger mosquito during the warmer months. The main recommendation, according to municipal technicians, is to eliminate any accumulation of stagnant water, even in small amounts, as it provides the ideal environment for this insect to complete its reproductive cycle.
Containers, pots, buckets, animal drinking troughs, gutters, patios, terraces, gardens, and other common areas can become breeding grounds if water remains stagnant for several days. Therefore, it is recommended to check these spaces every three or four days, especially after episodes of rain or heavy watering.
Citizen collaboration is essential to limit the spread of this invasive species, which has expanded in recent years across various parts of Spain. Although most bites are not serious, the tiger mosquito causes significant discomfort and can become a public health issue if its population increases.
In addition to eliminating breeding sites, specialists advise adopting personal protective measures to minimize bites. These include installing mosquito nets in homes, wearing clothing that covers arms and legs when staying in risk areas, and avoiding perfumes or products with strong scents, as they can attract these insects.
The Community of Madrid maintains an active specific monitoring program for the tiger mosquito, which allows for tracking its spread and detecting new colonies early. This initiative is developed in collaboration with the Mosquito Alert app, a citizen science tool that enables users to report the presence of the insect through photographs and its location.
Health authorities emphasize that early detection is essential to implement control measures before populations significantly increase during the summer, when high temperatures favor their reproduction.
If a high presence of tiger mosquitoes is observed in a specific area, residents can report the incident to the General Directorate of Public Health of the Community of Madrid via email saludpublica@salud.madrid.org or by calling 91 370 20 61 and 91 370 20 63.
The City Council reminds that small daily actions, such as emptying containers with water or keeping outdoor spaces clean, can decisively contribute to containing the spread of this insect and protecting the health of the entire population during the summer season.
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