Mosquitoes etc.

Like everywhere else in southern Europe, there are mosquitoes in Liguria.
However, as long as one is sensible, the problem need not be too great.

The insects which are present

First, there are two species of mosquitoes

One is the common mosquito (Culex pipiens) which is active in the dark, especially in the garden and terrace.

The second is the tiger mosquito which has spread from Asia in recent years.
This species is somewhat smaller, has visibly striped legs (hence the name), and is also active during the daytime. Moreover, it can bite through thin clothing.

The other unpleasant insect which comes in some summers is the sand fly (Phlebotomus pappatasii), pappataci in Italian. It is small and comes at dusk.

Protection

I am writing this page in Cantalupo in late July, 2007. In the last three weeks there have been tiger mosquitoes, mainly in the garden, sometimes in the house. So far we have not had any trouble with sand flies this year.

With sensible precautions, the insects do not present too great a problem.

• Mosquito tabs
  We use these in the living-room. Simply plug the small plastic diffuser into an electric socket, insert a tab and this provides protection for around 12 hours. There are always several diffusers in the house (look in the box in the utility room). They can also be bought in most local shops.
  More information can be found here.
• Spray
  The best we have found is ANTI BRUMM Forte. Use it for times on the terrace and when harvesting produce in the garden. It is best to bring some with you from home.
• Mosquito net
  Every bed has a net. If they are not already hanging, look for them in the wardrobes or on the bedroom shelves.
• Some people are more sensitive (or attractive) to mosquitoes than others. Here, long trousers and socks at twilight on the terrace offer additional protection. (We find that spraying allows us to stay in shorts.)

And if you are bitten?

Yes, you have to expect a few bites.
But every chemist's and even the supermarkets sell ZANALT Dopo Puntura, which eases the itching considerably.

However, many garden residents are far more welcome.