Limassol keeps up battle with mosquitoes

By Andria Kades

LIMASSOL public health services are continuing ongoing efforts to combat the serious mosquito problems, particularly in the west of the city.

Zakaki – home of the new port and the mall, is traditionally a hot spot for the annoying insects, “however the past few days things have calmed down,” Public Health Services inspector Kyriakos Kafkalias said.

This could be due to a number of reasons – the light breeze or the results of their work – it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, he said.

Tourists at the mall have been spotted scratching their arms and legs off, particularly as matters become increasingly worse during warm periods, but authorities continuously spray troubled areas across Limassol and urge the public to contact them if there are any problems.

“They can tell us and we’ll be there,” Kafkalias said.

The public’s involvement, either by calling or taking steps to help fight mosquitoes, is necessary. People can destroy containers that accumulate water, such as bottles and buckets, as they attract mosquitoes, replace or renew damaged sewage pipes and spray areas with insect repellent.

Wild plantations should be cleared and even placing small fish in tanks can help, according to the municipality, while people are advised to use mosquito nets on windows and doors.

“Recently we had three incidents two of which were people digging holes in the ground where still water gathered creating a serious problem. We went on the spot and we solved it.”

Kafkalias added that people should be careful not to confuse midges with mosquitoes. Although they may appear to be the same, they do not cause any health problems.

An increasing amount have been spotted at Ladies Mile beach “and they look like a dark cloud because of how many of them there are”. He reassured the public that they are not harmful and measures are also in place to combat them.