As warmer temperatures return to the Principality, Monaco has intensified its mosquito monitoring programme with the installation of specialised traps designed not only to capture insects, but also to analyse them for potential health risks…
Positioned strategically in shaded resting areas near water sources, the traps form part of a broader prevention campaign led jointly by the Prince’s Government and the Monaco Scientific Centre.
The initiative is aimed at reducing the nuisance caused by mosquitoes while also strengthening health surveillance across Monaco during the summer season. Each week, captured insects are collected and analysed in laboratories using highly sensitive PCR technology capable of detecting even the smallest traces of viruses potentially carried by the mosquitoes.
Authorities have also deployed larger-capacity traps using CO2 cylinders to attract and capture greater numbers of insects. Mosquitoes are naturally drawn to carbon dioxide produced by humans, making the technology particularly effective for monitoring local populations and limiting their spread.
Officials stressed that although mosquito-borne diseases remain relatively rare in the region, ongoing monitoring is essential to anticipate any potential risks and react quickly if necessary. Beyond simple pest control, the programme allows scientists to better understand mosquito activity in Monaco while ensuring that any possible viral presence can be identified rapidly to help protect residents and visitors throughout the warmer months.
Image: Егор Камелев