Drought has driven native mosquitoes from much of Hungary, only for invasive species—chiefly the Asian tiger mosquito—to thrive in residential areas, the National Directorate General for Disaster Management (OKF) has warned.
Mosquito patterns shaped by drought
Across most of the country, dry weather continues to dictate the appearance of biting mosquitoes: the floodplain species that often cause significant nuisance along rivers are barely to be seen this season, whereas invasive species are increasingly present in residential areas, particularly Asian tiger mosquitoes, the OKF said. In a statement on Monday, the directorate noted that tiger mosquito larvae can develop in large numbers in as little as a glassful of water, so after rain or garden watering numerous ideal breeding sites spring up around homes, MTI wrote.
Where native larvae still survive
For the larvae of Hungary’s native mosquitoes, suitable habitat has all but disappeared, with the exception of the Tisza Lake area, where fluctuating water levels create favourable conditions for development. There, on stretches not covered by nature conservation protection, specialists are carrying out both biological larviciding and treatments targeting adult mosquitoes.
Limits of organised control over invasives
The breeding sites of invasive mosquitoes lie beyond the reach of organised intervention, since the overwhelming majority form on private property. Where their numbers become overwhelming, treatments are conducted after sunset, in the late evening and night hours, using spraying equipment mounted on flatbed vehicles, officials said.
Where spraying vehicles will appear
In the coming days, mosquito-control vehicles can be expected in several settlements in Baranya, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén and Békés counties, with targeted partial treatments planned in one district of Budapest and in certain neighbourhoods of Szeged. A detailed list of affected settlements with planned control dates is available on the disaster management website, while residents can also follow updates on the official media channels of the relevant local councils.
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