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Date Published: 13/05/2025

Natural pest control helps Murcia fight sticky tree sap

An eco-friendly treatment is protecting 2,300 trees from aphids across the city and its surrounding districts

Murcia City Council has launched its annual biological pest control campaign to protect urban trees from the sticky problem of aphid infestations. This year, the environmentally friendly treatment will be used on 2,300 jacaranda, tipuana and robinia trees, according to a statement from the Department of Urban Development and Smart Cities.

Aphids are tiny insects that feed on tree sap. As they feed, they cause the tree to release a resin-like substance, which can make pavements, cars and street furniture dirty and sticky. They can also transmit viruses to the trees.

To tackle the problem without resorting to chemical pesticides, specially designed boxes are placed in the branches of the trees. These contain lacewings and aphidius wasps, which are natural predators of aphids.

“This technique is completely environmentally friendly,” explained José Guillén, the councillor for Urban Development and Smart Cities. “We aim to keep our town's trees in perfect condition, ensure the safety of residents, and allow our parks and gardens to be enjoyed by all the families who visit them every day. It also helps reduce the dirt on streets and cars, and limits the need for chemical treatments.”

The treatment is applied each year in late April and May, when temperatures are ideal. As well as the city centre, the initiative is being rolled out in neighbourhoods and hamlets including Alquerías, Beniaján, El Palmar, Puente Tocinos, Santiago and Zaraiche, Torreagüera, La Flota, El Carmen, Vistalegre, Santa María de Gracia and El Ranero.

The system is part of a wider effort by Murcia to use more sustainable, low-impact methods to maintain green spaces and improve quality of life in the city. By encouraging biodiversity and reducing the use of chemicals, the council hopes to set an example for other towns and cities in the region.

Murcia’s residents can expect cleaner streets, healthier trees and a greener approach to urban living - all thanks to a few very helpful insects.

Images: FranciscoJavierCoradoR and kkoertshuis/Pixabay

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