the essential
The colonization of the Gers by the tiger mosquito is not new. But for several years, despite all the possible precautions taken, Michel, a retiree from Auscitain, has been going through an ordeal when the good weather returns. Testimony.
While its presence has been proven since 2008 in Occitania, the tiger mosquito is this year subject to “reinforced surveillance”, from May 1 to November 30, by the health authorities. In question, the insect’s ability to transmit viral diseases. Chikungunya, dengue, Zika…
“Avoiding its proliferation is an essential issue in prevention against the establishment of epidemics in the same way as monitoring the diseases that it can transmit,” highlights ARS Occitanie.
The health aspect aside, the “tiger” and mosquitoes as a whole are responsible for nuisance. Although the Gers, like all the other departments in the region, is colonized, there are several “good reflexes” to try to keep them away from your garden (see also box below).
“We weren’t able to eat outside once”
But, sometimes, all these efforts can be swept away out of hand, if by chance, a neighbor does not play the game. An Auscitain has had the bitter experience of this for several years when the good weather returns.
Installed in the area served by Chemin de Baron, where the Pardailhan high school is located, among others, Michel* finds himself without solutions in the face of this pest.
Photo provided
The fault is a ditch which “conserves rainwater and mosquitoes 8 months a year”, the retiree grits his teeth. This is located a few meters from his garden, on land managed by the Public Housing Office (OPH) of Gers.
The social landlord built a housing estate there a few years ago. A project which saw 22 social housing units built, also the starting point for the nuisances endured by Michel.
Without answer
During construction, “they planed the hill […] but they forgot that the rainwater was going to accumulate”, plagues the Auscitain. From his garden, a ditch filled with stagnant water is actually visible this Friday, May 3. A real paradise for mosquitoes.
“In the past, there were a few mosquitoes but with repellents we could eat outside and be active in the garden. For 2-3 years, we have been invaded,” annoys the retiree. “Last summer it was the worst, we weren’t able to eat outside once,” he continues without losing his temper.
So Michel tried to get closer to OPH 32, so that a system allowing the water to flow could be put in place. Two letters were sent to the social landlord… but remained unanswered, assures Auscitain.
“La Dépêche du Midi” was unable to contact the organization this Friday, May 3. While waiting for a solution to be found, and since the first heat and storms in April, Michel has already started counting the bites.
The first name has been changed
Auch Town Hall: “shot” as a reminder of the good reflexes to adopt
On its website but also in town, via an awareness campaign on information panels, the City of Auch is providing a “prick” to remind you of the good reflexes to adopt to limit the establishment and development of mosquitoes.
Starting by “emptying all receptacles once a week (cups, pet bowls, garden decorations, etc.) to avoid standing water”, after rainfall. But also store away from the rain: buckets and watering cans, trash cans, toys… The municipality also invites its citizens to maintain ornamental ponds, manholes and watering points… Or even clean out gutters, gutters and other drains. evacuation to “facilitate water flow”.
The tiger mosquito takes advantage of the slightest water retention to lay its eggs, which become adults in 1 to 2 weeks. However, the adult insect moves, between 30 and 150 meters, around its place of birth.
