Starting today, the Council of Murcia, through its Department of Urban Development and Smart City, launches a biological campaign to treat aphids infesting jacaranda, tipuana, and robinia trees. This year, approximately two thousand three hundred trees will benefit from this method, which entirely eliminates the necessity for chemical treatments.

The biological system involves placing boxes on the tree branches that house natural predators called lacewings and aphidius wasps. These insects do not pose any risk to the trees or the public; instead, they will naturally combat the aphids that suck sap from the trees, potentially transmitting viral diseases. This sap-sucking can lead to unhealthy tree conditions and create mess in public spaces.

The councillor for Urban Development and Smart City, José Guillén, stated, “With this environmentally friendly technique, we aim to keep the trees in our municipality healthy while reducing dirt on streets, vehicles, and public furniture, and minimising chemical treatments.”

This annual treatment occurs during the most suitable temperatures at the end of April and throughout May. It will be implemented in both the urban centre and surrounding districts, demonstrating the Council’s commitment to sustainable urban management and public health.