The Formentera Department of Environment reminds islanders that 1 May was the start of the island’s high-risk season for forest fires. Fires are prohibited for the duration of the period, which ends 15 October.

In light of the situation surrounding the declaration of emergency, the regional environment ministry and the Balearic Nature Institute, Ibanat, have announced the ban will extend to any fires within 50 metres of forested area. Anyone who makes a fire within 500m of a forest must first request a permit regardless.

There are no restrictions on fires made farther than 500 m from forested areas, though individuals must nevertheless carefully follow established precautions. Moreover, responsible parties will be held legally accountable for any action that causes a forest fire, whether or not appropriate distances were respected.

7 May 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera

The Formentera Department of Environment reports that pest control operations will begin today, targeting mosquitos and insects in the Chironomidae family at Estany Pudent, Estany des Peix and the Can Marroig salterns — all areas of fresh water concentration ideal for mosquito larvae.

Environment conseller Antonio J Sanz said that heavy spring showers and an abundance of stagnant water puddles —mosquitos’ preferred habitat— were behind the decision not only to start treatment a week ahead of schedule, but to expand operations from twice to four times weekly. Two workers are expected to put in 32 days of work between April and October.

The anti-mosquito, anti-chironomid treatment is preventive, zeroing in on larvae using Bacillus thuringiensis Israeliensis, which acts on them directly. A natural insecticide generated by bacteria, the agent triggers production of protein crystals which, when ingested by mosquito larvae and insects, rupture cells in the gastric epithelium, causing death before pests can reach maturity.

The environment chief offered a series of things islanders could around the house to prevent mosquito hotspots from forming: “Watch out for containers where stagnant water might accumulate, maintain recommended chlorine levels in swimming pools and sinks and place moquito nets over wells and cisterns”. People can also make sure water doesn’t accumulate in plant pots and drainage plates, he said, plus change animals’ drinking water every two to three days and, in general, try to prevent puddles of stagnant water from forming.

The natural mosquito and chironomid treatment has a price-tag of €33,909.56 and is being overseen by public company Tragsa.

Last Friday crews began implementing a €12,100 plan to control cockroaches in the main towns of the island.

27 April 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera

The Formentera Department of Environment reports that today will mark the start of cockroach control operations in the main towns and municipal buildings on the island.

A pest control company handles application of the periodic treatment, which is increased as necessary based on cockroach population numbers. Certified products used by the company are applied to the sewerage system and in municipal facilities.

24 April 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera

The Formentera Department of Environment reports that the decision was made to open the municipal household waste and recycling centre, or Deixalleria, Monday to Saturday from 8.00am to 1.30pm. The centre will open by request from today; islanders who wish to obtain an appointment must phone 971 41 02 02. A thirty-minute margin will be maintained between appointments to ensure no overlap occurs between service users.

On a related note, it’s crucial everyone abides by hours for drop-off of rubbish and glass at kerbside bins: 8.00am to 11.00pm for the former and 8.00am to 11.00pm for the latter. Other categories of waste may be dropped off at any time.

6 April 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera