Not just sprays and disinfestations: in Sestri Levante the fight against mosquitoes takes a surprisingly natural and sustainable direction. The Municipality has in fact launched the usual anti-larval campaign, but has combined traditional solutions with an invitation that has the flavor of a small domestic revolution: transforming balconies and gardens into green barriers against insects.
The idea is simple but extremely effective. Instead of relying solely on chemicals, citizens are encouraged to grow aromatic plants such as lavender, rosemary, mint and basil. Not an aesthetic choice, but a concrete strategy: these species are known for their ability to keep mosquitoes away naturally, helping to reduce their presence in inhabited spaces.
Allied plants and the return of natural prevention
The administration’s message is clear and direct: the first step to limiting the problem is to act before it arises. Alongside the most common plants, the Municipality also suggests lantana, lemon verbena, marigold and catnip, all considered effective natural repellents. The statement reads:
The Municipality encourages natural prevention: lavender, rosemary, mint, basil, lantana, lemon verbena, marigold and catnip are precious allies against mosquitoes. Grown on terraces and in gardens, these aromatic plants act as natural repellents, helping to reduce the presence of insects without using chemicals.
And even more useful tips:
However, the most effective method remains the elimination of stagnant water: empty saucers and inflatable pools, clean gutters and manholes, cover deposits in vegetable gardens. Municipal tablets are a complementary tool, to be used only where the water cannot be removed.
A strategy that therefore aims to change mentalities, as well as habits. Natural prevention thus becomes the protagonist, alongside the more technical actions already planned every year.
Free kits and practical rules: the fight remains real
In parallel with the green turning point, the most operational component of the campaign remains active. From 7 May citizens can request a free anti-larval kit from the Environment Office. These are effervescent tablets based on Methoprene, to be used in stagnant water that cannot be eliminated. The kit – consisting of two tablets, instructions and information sheet – can be requested via email or telephone and collected by appointment in via Salvi 4, in pre-established time slots.
A new urban culture between well-being and the environment
Sestri Levante is not just a campaign against mosquitoes, but an invitation to rethink the relationship between city and nature. Transforming balconies into small aromatic gardens means improving the quality of life, reducing the environmental impact and rediscovering simple but effective solutions. An approach that combines well-being, sustainability and practicality, demonstrating that even an everyday problem can become an opportunity to change perspective.
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