Orihuela Town Hall has reinforced mosquito and midge control work across the municipality following a marked increase linked to accumulated rainfall, high temperatures and areas of standing water. The announcement was made at the Palmeral, one of the areas where treatments have intensified in recent weeks.

Environment councillor Noelia Grao said the council has recently renewed its specialist mosquito and midge control contract for three years, with the option of a two-year extension. She said weather conditions have contributed to the surge, but stressed that prevention, monitoring and rapid response remain in place to minimise disruption for residents.

The service operates throughout the municipality, including the town centre, outlying districts and the coast. Key hotspots include the river area, irrigation channels in the Palmeral and Los Huertos, and the drainage network, where tiger mosquitoes breed. Weekly inspections and larval treatments aim to prevent insects reaching the adult flying stage.

Residents can report issues by emailing medioambiente@orihuela.es or calling 966 742 374. The council is also preparing a public awareness campaign, with advice on preventing breeding in private properties, where around 90% of tiger mosquito hotspots are found.