Local services
The Municipality of Debrecen is making mosquito control more effective by distributing mosquito larvae-killing tablets. Residents in the city can use the tablets, which inhibit the development of larvae, free of charge.
The Municipality of Debrecen attaches great importance to effective and efficient mosquito control. This time, it makes ground and aerial chemical mosquito control even more effective by distributing free tablets. The residents of Debrecen can collect the mosquito control tablets (10 tablets per pack) by presenting their ID and address card at the reception area of the New City Hall (11 Kálvin tér), on the ground floor, at the customer window 18, without having to draw a number.
The residents of Debrecen can collect the pesticide tablets until Friday, 1st of September 2023.
The Customer Service Schedule of the Debrecen Mayor’s Office is available on the city’s website at http://www.debrecen.hu/hu/debreceni/papiralapu-ugyintezes/
The recommended time to use the tablets is from April until October, as needed. The pesticide is not suitable for use in standing water; it acts in rainwater harvesting containers.
What should I know about mosquito repellent tablets?
The larvae of some species of mosquitoes can be harboured in rainwater collected in drainage barrels, under flower pots, in scattered rubbish, etc. In urban environments, there are many objects in which rainwater accumulation allows mosquitoes to breed. Mosquito breeding is likely to occur in rainwater harvesting containers (e.g. barrels, tubs, jugs, buckets, etc.) and garden basins in the garden if the water is persistently present. Then larvae development in standing water is uninterrupted, and a new generation of mosquitoes may emerge every week in the summer heat. By using the product, you can enjoy 3-4 weeks of freedom. Tablets not used this year will keep their quality time until the end of summer 2025.
Description of the preparation: The active substance of the preparation is S-methoprene, which, when added to the breeding water, is effective in inhibiting the development of mosquito larvae and the transformation of pupae into adult biting midges. It is effective against the larvae of several mosquito species (Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex pipiens). The tablet releases its active substance slowly and continuously in water, preventing the emergence of adult mosquitoes from the treated water. The destruction of the majority of individuals occurs in the pupal stage. It does not yet kill the larvae, so when used, live and mobile larvae may still be present in the water reservoirs but will be killed in the pupal stage. The product does not affect adult mosquitoes.
Tablet water should not come into contact with food; therefore, it is unsuitable for watering vegetables, fruit and herb gardens. It can be used to treat water surfaces close to the dwelling that are not used for drinking, are not in contact with living water and are not used for ornamental fish. Water treated with the active substance may only be used for watering lawns and ornamental plants. Rainwater collectors, garden ponds with waterproofing underpinnings, and water stains on the insulation of flat-roofed condominiums can all be treated with it.
The dosage of the product depends on the type of water to be treated:
- Clean water: 1 tablet every four weeks every 300-400 litres,
- Polluted water: 1 tablet every four weeks for every 150-200 litres,
- Heavily polluted water: 1 tablet every four weeks for every 20-30 litres.
The effectiveness of city-wide mitigation will only be realised if action is taken not only at a social level but also at an individual level.
What can you do to have fewer mosquitoes in your environment?
Eliminate water traps in your home that encourage mosquito breeding.
Such preventive measures:
- Covering rainwater barrels with a lid or mosquito net
- Covering water left in jugs or buckets, keeping them in a shaded place
- Keeping gutters clean
- Preventing rainwater from accumulating.
- Keeping buckets, cans, wheelbarrows, children’s toys, etc., stored in the yard clean.
- Store it in such a way that rainwater cannot collect in it.
- Change the watering water of the animals regularly to fresh water instead of refilling.
Many species of mosquitoes survive the winter by moving to shelter from frost in the autumn. Keep the windows of your garage, cellar, shed, barn, etc., closed during the autumn months or protect them with mosquito nets.
Following these household suggestions will help prevent mosquito breeding.
Source: debrecen.hu | Photo credit: Pixabay
