Iberian Peninsula Faces Mosquito Surge from Heavy Rains and Warmth

Heavy winter rains across the Iberian Peninsula, combined with rising temperatures, are set to trigger a surge in mosquito populations this spring and summer. Standing water and waterlogged terrain have created ideal breeding conditions, according to experts.

Jordi Figuerola, a researcher at the Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, warned that the coming months will see higher mosquito numbers. Speaking to Europa Press, he urged local councils to review their control plans ahead of time. "Spraying just for the sake of it achieves nothing; you need to spray when mosquitoes are present," he said, emphasising the need to eliminate stagnant water in containers, which serve as key breeding sites.

Figuerola noted that the rains and warmth have multiplied potential reproduction spots. Some local authorities have already launched early control programmes to curb the spread. He stressed that treatments work only if applied properly, involving surveillance to spot larval hotspots and repeated applications throughout the season.

The expert also advised residents to alert town halls about significant mosquito foci, such as abandoned buildings or areas with pooled water. While broad fumigation offers limited value without targeted monitoring, proactive measures could mitigate the problem before it peaks.