Anyone who has visited Italy in the summer probably knows the scene well: a crowded square, an ice-cold spritz on the table, pleasant weather in the late afternoon and, a few minutes later, a real mosquito infestation.
Mosquitoes, known as "zanzare" in Italian, are a common occurrence during the warmer months in the country and tend to appear in force between May and September. This year, after days of rain and higher temperatures in several Italian regions, The mosquito season has already begun.
The combination of heat, humidity, and stagnant water helps explain why Italy experiences so many mosquitoes during the summer. After the spring rains, containers, vases, gutters, gardens, and small puddles accumulate water, becoming ideal breeding grounds for the insects.
With rising temperatures, the eggs develop more rapidly and mosquitoes circulate more intensely, especially in the late afternoon and at night. In cities with many parks, rivers, lakes, and canals, the problem tends to be even more noticeable.
In northern Italy, the situation is generally more intense due to the combination of stifling heat and high humidity. Areas of Po Valley, one of the wettest regions in the country, has conditions considered ideal for the proliferation of zanzare during the summer.
In cities like Milan, TurinIn Bologna and Verona, residents often resort to different strategies to try to avoid mosquito bites during the warmer months. The use of repellents, electric mosquito repellent devices, and window screens is part of the routine for many Italian families at this time of year.
In recent years, another factor has begun to worry local authorities: the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito. This species, identified by the white stripes on its body and legs, has adapted easily to the Italian climate and is now present in several cities across the country.
In addition to being more aggressive, the tiger mosquito also tends to bite during the day, unlike other species that are more active at night. The insect is considered a vector for diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, which has led several local administrations to reinforce prevention and pest control campaigns.
During the summer, mosquito spraying trucks become common in some Italian cities, especially after periods of heavy rain. Authorities also advise residents to avoid any type of standing water in private areas, including flower pots, buckets, and containers left on balconies and in gardens.
Despite the discomfort caused by the swarming mosquitoes, they are already part of everyday life in the Italian summer and remain one of the most discussed topics among residents and tourists during the warmer months.
How Italians try to avoid wandering
During the summer, it is common to use repellents, electric mosquito repellent devices, and screens on the windows of Italian homes.
Many residents also avoid leaving doors and windows open at dusk, the time when insects are most active.
Eliminating containers with standing water remains one of the main recommendations for reducing mosquito breeding.
