Management of mosquito populations - Precipitation adds extra tasks for mosquito exterminators.
A group of mosquito control enthusiasts are taking action against the mosquito larvae population in the Upper Rhine region of Baden, Hesse, and the Palatinate. Recently, helicopters have been deployed to fight the larvae, targeting areas around Rastatt, Philippsburg, and Mannheim. Additionally, areas on the French side have received treatments using the insecticide Bti, which kills larvae. These regions are known to have a large population of mosquitoes, also called sandflies in parts of South Germany.
The mosquito hunters plan to treat the areas around Rastatt and Karlsruhe, as well as the Palatinate side next. They are also preparing to treat Hesse and Rheinhessen. The recent weather conditions have caused an increase in river water levels, resulting in extensive work for the mosquito control teams. On foot, they have been assessing the flooding and the larvae population in the marshes. The rain has caused flooding along smaller rivers and streams as well.
The spokeswoman of the campaign indicated the magnitude of the task ahead: "We are facing a big effort to regulate the riverbank mosquitoes, which will extend to the higher areas of the marsh in some places." She also mentioned that the larvae are currently in their younger stages but are expected to grow with the rising temperatures. "We urgently need to apply Bti everywhere to maintain control, which will result in intensive control days." The weather conditions are expected to provide more flooding conditions for the mosquito hunters, so they are preparing for potential additional operations.
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Source: www.stern.de
