Mosquitoes in Nicosia after heavy rains. The city is conducting intensive spraying.

Prolonged rainfall, high temperatures, and sunshine have led to a sharp increase in mosquito numbers in Nicosia. City authorities have begun intensive spraying of areas where water may have accumulated after the recent downpours. Work is also ongoing on weekends.

The largest number of reports are currently coming from Engomi. However, health authorities emphasize that over 60% of detected habitats are located on private properties – in gardens, flowerpots, unused swimming pools, tanks, and animal water containers.

More than half of the habitats are located near houses

Recent heavy rainfall has left water in many areas of the city. Combined with high temperatures, this has created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.

Municipal services conduct regular spraying operations year-round. However, following recent storms, operations have been significantly intensified. Employees are working overtime and on weekends, and are also responding to resident complaints.

The biggest problem remains small amounts of standing water on private properties. Not only a neglected swimming pool can become a habitat, but also a flowerpot saucer, a bucket, a small container left in the garden, or a dog or cat bowl if the water isn't changed regularly.

What should you check after rain?

Health officials remind us that the mosquito development cycle can last only eight or nine days. Quickly removing standing water can interrupt the breeding process before the next generation of insects emerges.

Officials also recommend watering plants early in the morning instead of in the evening. This allows the soil to dry before nightfall, when mosquitoes are most active.

Vegetation and wet debris accumulating around low shrubs should also be removed. Officials recalled a case where a vase of water left inside a house was the source of the problem.

The city can't spray everything

Residents are asking authorities to spray large areas, including gardens and private plots. However, authorities explain that mass use of chemicals is not always possible for safety and environmental reasons.

Spraying is conducted in public areas, along rivers, and in identified habitats. The city is also implementing a mosquito control program in the buffer zone with the United Nations. Spraying takes place every two weeks from March to October.

Activities include Engomi, Kaimakli, Pallouriotissa and Aglandzia, among others.

Spraying using drones

The Nicosia authorities are also preparing to use drones in areas difficult for workers to access. A tender is currently underway, and the first such spraying operations are expected to begin soon.

Residents who notice significant concentrations of mosquitoes or their breeding sites can contact the city services at 22 797000. Entries can also be submitted via the app. Novoville.

Authorities urge people not to wait solely for municipal spraying. Regularly removing standing water from balconies, yards, and gardens can be more effective than spraying a single area after adult mosquitoes have appeared.

Sources: Nicosia Municipality, Cyprus News Agency, SigmaLive, Philenews