Sint-Truiden plagued by mosquitoes for years
The residents of Halmaal, a district of Sint-Truiden, have been dealing
with persistent mosquito nuisance for years. Especially during wet weather, the
surrounding floodplains create ideal breeding grounds for the insects. A
structural solution is currently lacking, although the city is now working on a
long-term plan.
Nursery for mosquitoes
When summer gets off to a wet start, water remains stagnant for long periods in various spots within the nature zone around Halmaal. That stagnant water forms the perfect nursery for mosquitoes. “Furthermore, there are few natural enemies in that environment to keep the population in check,” explains Alderman for Facility Management Filip Moers (Vooruit).
Beekeeper suit
Although things aren’t too bad this year due to the dry weather, local residents remember how severe it could be in other summers. “As soon as you open the door, you’re surrounded. Even going to get the mail is a hellish task then,” says a local woman. “In some years, the windows were covered in mosquitoes. If you wanted to go feed your chickens, you’d better put on a beekeeper suit.”
Frustrations have been simmering in the neighborhood for quite some time. In a previous legislature, former Alderman Peter Deltour (N-VA) already brought the problem to the attention of the environmental council. Later, residents raised the situation again during a meeting of all neighborhood committees.
Nature as an ally
The city now wants to focus on natural control and biodiversity. In consultation with De Watering, a plan was drawn up centered on creating ponds and planting hedges. “We want to strengthen the ecosystem so that natural enemies of the mosquito have more opportunities,” says Alderman Moers. “For example, we are investigating whether bat boxes can be installed. Attracting dragonflies, frogs, and swallows is also part of the plan.” In terms of planting, this includes hornbeam, spindle, dog rose, blackthorn, and hazel.
Neighborhood remains skeptical
Still, there is doubt in the neighborhood about the effectiveness of the plan. “If the water stays stagnant, larvae will appear; you can’t prevent that with a few bats or frogs,” it is said.
The concrete implementation of the plans won’t happen until after the summer holidays. The planting of hedges will take place in the autumn at the earliest. Meanwhile, the question remains whether the measures will be sufficient to limit future nuisance. Alderman Gert Stas (Vooruit) is following up on the matter.
