Tender process to select contractor for mosquito control programme for 2025–2027 period underway

(Ionian Islands Regional Authority) Ionian Islands Region / Regional Unit of Corfu: Mosquito Control Programme 2025–2027

The Ionian Islands Regional Authority / Regional Unit of Corfu, responding to the requirements for the prevention and protection of public health—and prompted by the reappearance in our country of malaria cases and other mosquito-borne diseases—has been implementing a comprehensive mosquito control programme since early March.

According to Yiannis Zikos, the appointed Ionian Islands Region Health & Education Advisor, interventions are being carried out in urban, peri-urban, and agricultural areas, in streams, lakes and generally in all potential breeding sites, under the supervision and control of the Department of Health Control & Environmental Hygiene.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2025 PROGRAMME

This year's programme began using the extended contract from the previous year and includes three spraying cycles until the end of June:

• 1st cycle: Carried out from March 10 to 23, 2025

• 2nd cycle: Took place from April 9 to 26, 2025

• 3rd cycle: Currently underway, from May 28 to June 13, 2025

At each stage, relevant updates have been communicated to the responsible authorities and the public, and a detailed announcement will follow after the completion of the actions.

The interventions are strictly limited to public areas and are conducted using approved formulations during off-peak hours. Where enhanced protection is required, a biological method is used with Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bti) and the product DU-DIM 2 DT, in tablet form, applied in storm drains to kill larvae (larviciding).

No spraying is planned for private spaces. For such cases, it is recommended to:

• Take personal protective measures

• Avoid the accumulation of standing water

• Ensure proper care and spraying in private areas

AREAS OF PARTICULAR NUISANCE

In areas with increased mosquito presence—such as Kanoni, Garitsa and the lakeside zones of Chalikiopoulou, Antinioti and Korission—it is noted that interventions are carried out on the ground where land access is possible. The nature of the terrain and morphology around wetlands poses challenges for full ground-based coverage.

NEW CALL FOR TENDERS – 2025–2027 PROGRAMME 

It is noted that the tender process for selecting a contractor to implement the comprehensive 2025–2026 & 2026–2027 programme is already underway. This programme will include both ground and aerial actions (drones), in accordance with the licences and circulars of the relevant ministries, to effectively manage mosquito populations in difficult-to-access wetlands (e.g., the lagoons of Chalikiopoulou, Antinioti and Korission).

The Ionian Islands Regional Authority / Regional Unit of Corfu, acknowledging public concern, assures that all legally prescribed actions for the protection of public health are being taken. It also calls on the public to actively support this effort by following preventive and protective measures.

As part of this initiative—and by order of the Regional Governor—the annual budget for the mosquito control programme in the Regional Unit of Corfu has been increased to €200,000 per year, amounting to a total of €400,000 for the 2025–2027 biennium, compared to the €70,000 provided in the budget of the previous Regional Administration.

It is worth noting that since 2019, when the last tender was announced, no new tender had been issued for this programme until now.

PREVENTION GUIDELINES FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

The Ionian Islands Regional Authority / Regional Unit of Corfu recommends that memers of the public:

• Do not dispose of dirty water or waste indiscriminately

• Check storm drains and keep septic tank lids tightly sealed

• Avoid stagnant water inside homes or yards

• Dispose of dirty water properly, into the sewage system or a sealed septic tank

SUPPORT FROM MUNICIPALITIES & AGENCIES

The success of the programme depends on cooperation from all involved bodies, with emphasis on:

• Cleaning storm drains and public areas

• Maintaining green spaces in parks and public places

• Clearing streams of vegetation and debris

• Controlling stormwater runoff into drains

• Conducting sprays in populated areas under scientific supervision

Below are additional guidelines from the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Organization (EODY) for the public.

COMMON MOSQUITO BREEDING SITES

Main breeding grounds include:

• Barrels, cisterns and ornamental ponds

• Gardens with standing water

• Discarded tyres, tin cans and plant saucers

• Water tanks on rooftops

• Open drains, septic tanks and outdoor toilets

• Uncovered water containers

• Untended lawns and bushy vegetation

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES

Effectiveness depends on individual efforts as well. It is recommended to:

• Use insect repellents (creams, plug-ins, spirals)

• Install mosquito nets in bedrooms or outdoor areas

• Wear appropriate clothing: long sleeves, trousers, light-coloured and loose-fitting garments

• Install and regularly check mosquito screens on home openings

• Regularly trim lawns and plants that harbour mosquitoes