Austria is currently struggling with a gelsen plague, even in the city: the gelsen are transported there by the wind. But in a few weeks we will be rid of it again, explains ecologist Bernhard Seidel, who also gives tips on how to best protect yourself. This much can be revealed: the expert would not rely on normal insect repellent sprays.
Mosquitoes are currently increasingly noticeable in Austria. According to ecologist and Gelsen expert Bernhard Seidel, the reason for this is that three weeks after the flood in Bavaria and parts of Austria, the entire stored brood of flood gels hatched at once. A real mass development can be seen at breeding grounds on the water. Compared to the hordes after the catastrophic floods in the 1990s, the incident is ‘harmless’. In three weeks the nightmare should be over.
Flood gels also sting during the day
It cannot be said that mosquitoes are particularly aggressive this year. ‘Their job is to get a blood meal. And sometimes there are people among them.” According to the population, the Seidelpest is especially noticeable because there has not been a large population in Gelsen in the past two years. Moreover, unlike the normal mosquito, the flood mosquito also bites during the day.
The world won’t end with a dozen bites at most. “But then it’s over. Then you have to take some measures to get out of the affair and not get bitten again.” Caution or preparation is required here.
“The only solution is to escape”
Seidel wouldn’t rely on regular insect repellent spray at all, “because it partly depends on the current condition of the mosquitoes whether they respond to something like that or not.” We are now talking about a real plague. There is nothing that can help you, the only thing that really helps is to escape.”
If you cannot avoid areas where they occur in particularly concentrated form, the ecologist recommends long and especially light-colored clothing. “Mosquitoes are nearsighted and think it is a bright spot, sun or dehydration. If you wear light-colored clothing, you don’t really stand out.”
You can see the entire conversation with Bernhard Seidel in the video above!
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
