Italian municipalities ramp up mosquito control operations

In Comacchio, Emilia‑Romagna, the municipal administration led by Mayor Samuele Bellotti has intensified an integrated biological mosquito‑control programme funded by the regional government. The effort relies on larval treatments with the microbiological agent Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, drone‑sprayed applications over more than 100 hectares of flooded areas, and supplemental evening adulticide sprays to curb a surge caused by heavy rains in mid‑July.

Alessandria has launched a parallel emergency campaign on 3 August, carrying out 15 evening treatments of a chrysanthemum‑based larvicide along a west‑east corridor of the city. The operations, overseen by entomologist Asghar Talbalaghi of Controllo Infestazioni Ambientali SRL, target the migratory mosquito Ochlerotatus caspius and cover numerous neighbourhoods and surrounding plains to create a protective barrier and reduce summer‑time nuisance.

Both towns aim to verify the effectiveness of the measures quickly and minimise discomfort for residents, businesses and tourists.