Polish city becomes first to deploy drones against mosquitoes

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Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and is published by an independent, non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers. We cannot do what we do without your support.

Wrocław has become the first city in Poland to use drones in an effort to fight mosquitoes.

The geography, climate and numerous reservoirs in Wrocław, Poland’s third largest city, create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, which the authorities already attempt to combat using environmentally friendly sprays.

With the help of drones, city officials say they can now reach less accessible areas and apply the sprays more precisely and effectively.

Wrocław’s mosquito population control programme was first launched in 1998. It involves the annual monitoring of nearly 300 sites between March and October, so that officials can identify where to spray biological agents that specifically target mosquito larvae.

Urban reservoirs are also stocked with fish – such as tench and crucian carp – that feed on the larvae, with scientists advising on how to avoid disrupting local ecosystems.

The city says that, although its use of biological sprays has a neutral effect on plants and animals, drones will allow the programme to operate even more effectively.

“Drones allow us to reach places where humans cannot go – oxbow lakes, reed beds and marshy areas. This allows us to carry out treatments faster and more accurately,” said drone operator Piotr Jawień.

While the use of drones to target mosquito larvae is currently only a pilot project, officials say it could become a permanent tool if trials prove successful.

Similar drone technology has already been trialled abroad. French broadcaster RFI reported earlier this year that AI-powered drones are being used in Ghana and Sierra Leone to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in efforts to prevent malaria outbreaks.

The Wrocław authorities also regularly publish advice for residents on how to limit mosquito breeding. That includes covering or regularly emptying containers of rainwater, introducing small fish to garden ponds to eat larvae, and planting mosquito-repelling herbs such as lavender, mint and basil.

Officials say mosquito levels in the city remain stable this year despite recent rainfall, with spraying already carried out on 17 hectares in parks and river valleys.

Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and published by an independent, non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers. We cannot do what we do without your support.

Main image credit: Urząd Miejski we Wrocławiu

Alicja Ptak

Alicja Ptak is senior editor at Notes from Poland and a multimedia journalist. She previously worked for Reuters.