Jade Goody - R.I.P.

If you are paying into the Spanish Social Security system in Fuerteventura, then you can book this through your GP. However, in some areas of the island there can be a long wait for this. Spanish healthcare, although being of a high standard, has it’s focus on curative rather than preventative medicine.

Should you wish to go private, then your doctor should be able to recommend a private practise where the doctor speaks English – which can be a relief for ladies already concerned about going through an invasive examination.  The cost  for going private is usually around €50, and results are given by telephone within 10 days.

The word in Spanish for this procedure is “citalogica”.

Please take care of your health, ladies – and don’t leave these things to chance.

Elle xx

Although not a nice subject to discuss… it is a vital one, because death usually comes unexpectedly – and this is why it is always best to draw up a will in Fuerteventura as soon as possible. The last thing you want to be worrying about whilst grieving, is that you need to sort out legal matters in a country where you may not speak the lingo – and even if you do… how is your legal knowledge? We would always recommend that you have a will – this is especially important if you own property in Fuerteventura.

Broadly speaking, anyone from the age of 14 years old can write a will. There are three main types of will – Holographic, Open, and Closed.

Closed Will – this type of will is exactly what it sounds like. A copy of the will is placed within an unsealed envelope and provided to a Notary. The Notary will ask you to make a formal declaration that you have made your own provisions in the will, and attest that you have written it yourself (occasionally it can have been written by a third party). This means that your wishes within your will are kept secret. The Notary will seal the envelope and keep it in his files for you, whilst also notifying the “Registro Centro de Última Voluntad” in Madrid. This will is not allowed to be made by blind or illiterate people.

Holographic Will – this type of will is completely in the testator’s handwriting, and dated and signed by him/her on every page. It must be witnessed as genuine in front of a judge by someone who knows the testator and can verify that the handwriting is indeed theirs. Once it has been verified, the judge will accept the contents, and the estate can then be divided out in accordance with the testator’s wishes on the event of their death.

Open will – this is the type of will that most people in Lanzarote will opt for. It is made before a notary, who will keep a copy of it on file. They will also arrange for a copy to be sent to the “Registro Centro de Última Voluntad” in Madrid. The Notary is within his rights to request the presence of 2 witnesses.

Who can act as a Witness?

Anyone over the legal age. However – you cannot be a witness if you are deaf, mute, blind, or illiterate. Your spouse, and in some cases immediate relatives, cannot act as witnesses either.

Every will is given its own unique certification number, and this is filed at the “Registro Centro de Última Voluntad” in Madrid. Legal copies of all Spanish wills can be found there – which is needed in case it is unsure whether a deceased person made a will or not. You can then gain the name of the Notary who made the will, and you can get a copy from them. This has to take place within 15 days of the person’s death.

Changing your will.

This can be done at any time, providing the person who made the will is still of sound mind. If more than one will exists… it is the latest will that is deemed the true will. The “Registro Centro de Última Voluntad” will advise you which will this is.

A will is deemed invalid in any of the following situations (not an exhaustive list):

1. If the testator was not of sound mind when the will was written.

2. If the testator has been found to have been under duress, fraud, or domination when the will was made

3. When a beneficiary cannot be identified

4. When the will has been revoked and a new will drawn up in its place

5. A holographic will is null if it is niot filed before a judge within 5 years of the testator’s death

6. A Closed will is voided if the envelope it is contained in is damaged

Inheritors
The following can inherit.

In the first instance it is the children of the testator ( a compulsory heir)

The second instance – if no children exist, then it can be his parents. ( a compulsory heir)

The third instance – the surviving spouse ( a compulsory heir)

Voluntary heirs – the testator may specify beneficiaries

If no compulsory heirs exist, then the voluntary heirs can inherit all of the assets

If somebody dies without leaving a will, then Spanish Law intervenes. Also, even if a will has been written – Spanish Law can deemit as non existent in the following situations:

· When there are assets not mentioned in the will

· When the heirs do not accept the terms of the will, or it has not been accepted within the correct time frame

· When an heir is incapable of inheriting

· If the will was in the process of being destroyed

· When the will does not include the correct compulsory heirs, or if a person is named as being a compulsory heir when they are not.

The Spanish laws of succession set out the following hierarchy of inheritors in case of intestacy:

Descendants: The decedent’s issue and their descendants will inherit in the first place. Either legitimate, illegitimate child or individuals adopted have the same succession rights.

· Ascendants: They will inherit when the decedent dies without leaving issue. They will inherit in equal parts.

· The spouse will inherit if the decedent has neither issue nor ascendants.

· Collateral family: If the decedent had neither descendants, nor ascendants, nor spouse, his brothers and/or sisters will inherit equal parts of the estate. Nephews/nieces will inherit the portion that would have corresponded to the brother/sister deceased (brother/sister of the testator and father/mother of the nephews/nieces who shall inherit)

· Cousins will inherit when there exist no one of the individuals above mentioned.

· The Spanish Government will inherit when there exist no one of the individuals above mentioned.

This article is merely an introductory guide. Of course we always recommend that you seek the services of a qualified person to carry out any legal activities on your behalf.

There is less in the way of traffic pollution, the air is warmer and drier, the joints and muscles just don’t ache like they previously did.  However, don’t take all of this for granted. There will without doubt come a time when you really do need some medical help, and if you are not fluent in the local lingo – then visiting your healthcare centre in Fuerteventura can be extremely nerve racking.

The healthcare service in Fuerteventura is of an excellent standard – as indeed in the whole of Spain itself. There are very few towns on the Island without a dedicated healthcare centre – so there should be one close enough by.

To find your nearest… click HERE for a list of the Hospitals and Health Centres in Fuerteventura

People coming from European countries have the right to free medical care. However, it will be helpful to pick up your EHIC card from the Post Office before you move. This will ensure that you are covered for the first three months free healthcare. After that, you will need to get your “Tarjeta de Social Seguridad”. We got ours from our Asesoria – but if you are not working here, then you will need to make other arrangements for health care in Fuerteventura.

When visiting a doctor at your health centre – you are entitled to be accompanied, by someone who can speak Spanish — especially as most of the health care professionals on the Island speak only Spanish. This does not need to be a relative (unless you are a minor) but can simply be someone that you don’t mind knowing your “ins and outs”. Just as in the UK, if you are not happy with the Doctor you have been assigned, then you can change – but do not expect this to be easy… just as it isn’t always easy in the UK.  Remember also, that queueing isn’t a Spanish thing, so you may find people jumping ahead. Don’t get upset by this… just gently and politely make your presence known. Of course if it is an emergency, then head to the hospital in Puerto del Rosario

Stay healthy!

The standard of health care in Fuerteventura is excellent, and the support for Mums-to-be is superb. You can get this either from your own health centre, or opt to go private.

Pre-Natal Care in Fuerteventura

As soon as you suspect you may be pregnant, book an appointment with your doctor. They will examine you, confirm that you are indeed pregnant, and will arrange blood tests and an early ultra sound scan.

The following dates may vary somewhat – but will give you a rough guide to how often you can expect to be seen by your doctor:

• every 4 weeks until week 28
• every 2 weeks until week 36
• weekly until delivery

As in the UK, the midwife provides a great source of support to the mum-to-be.  Speak to your Docotr to see if your clinic has a resident midwife, or to find out whether you need to visit another clinic for this. Most in Fuerteventura have the teams on site – so this shouldn’t be a problem.

Pre-Natal Classes

Knowing exactly what will happen, and being as prepared for childbirth as possible can dramatically improve how well you and your unborn child fare during the pregnancy. Again, speak to your Doctor and Midwife to see what options are available, and whether they can offer support in English for you.

The courses will probably include preparation for labour, breathing and relaxation techniques and advice for baby feeding.

Where to have your baby delivered

The Fuerteventura hospitals offer a very high standard of natal care, with emergency personnel services on hand in case of any problems. Home birthing is not encouraged in Fuerteventura – but most women would want to be close to medical help when going through this experience anyway – just in case of any unforeseen events.

Your doctor and midwife will be able to talk you fully through the facilities, activities, and what forms of pain relief are available.

Following normal cervical delivery without any unusual complications, Mum and newborn can expect to go home within 24 hours. Following a Caesarean section you may go home between 3 to 5 days after the birth.

On discharge from hospital, they will issue you with all the paperwork for registering the birth of your new baby, offer you advice on vaccinations, and provide you with an infant record book which records your new baby’s health from birth to 18 years of age.

Registration of a Birth

Births must be registered within eight days of the birth at the Registry Civil in Puerto del Rosario. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure this is done and it should be carried out in person. However, in some unusual cases the hospital, clinic or midwife can register the birth. This could be for example, if the new Mum is too poorly to attend the Registry Civil.

There are two types of certificate:

• short/abridged (un extracto de inscripción de nacimiento or certificado simple): contains the date of birth, the names of the child and parents and the inscription number
• full birth certificates (un certificado literal de nacimiento): full certificates may be needed for registration with the Consulate of a baby born to foreign national resident in Spain

The birth registration includes:

• name of the new-born
• date, time and place of the birth. In the case of multiple births, when the exact time is unknown for each new-born, indication will be given of the order in which they were born, or alternatively that this could not be determined
• whether the new-born is male or female
• the parents, when the relationship is legally recognised
• the number assigned to the birth or verification file
• the time of registration

Birth certificates must state whether a child is legitimate or illegitimate. Babies born within 6 months of their parents’ marriage, or within 300 days of the parents’ divorce, a marriage annulment or the death of the father are all considered legitimate.

The following documentation must be taken to the Civil Registry:

• Medical delivery report (this form is provided by the hospital where the delivery took place)
• Official proof of identity of the parents
• Family Book (or marriage certificate duly legalised and translated, when appropriate)

Registering a child born outside of wedlock

In this case, a statement is required from both parents, with the father and the mother both going to register the birth in person, providing the following documentation:

• Medical delivery report (this form is pr

The Legal Side

Article 417 of the Penal Code states that Abortion is not an offence if the procedure is carried out by a qualified medical practitioner in a registered clinic with the express written consent of the pregnant woman under the following circumstances:

1. To avoid physical or mental harm to the mother (in this case two independant specialists must provide their consent)
2. If the pregnancy is the result of rape or an act of incest that has been reported to the police. This abortion must however be carried out within the first trimester of pregnancy.
3. If the baby is severely physically or mentally handicapped. The abortion must take place within the first 22 weeks of pregnancy. In this instance two specialists from an approved health centre plus the supervising doctor must certify that the foetus will suffer major detriment if allowed to be born.
4. In the case of a severe accident or some kind of emergency that puts the mother’s life at jeopardy, the procedure may be carried out without the express consent of the doctor and without that of the mother.

All voluntary abortions carried out must be reported to the Spanish national health authorities by the Ministry of Health of each area upon receipt of a form filled out by the doctor that is performing the abortion. The woman by law is allowed to remain anonymous.

If one of the above four circumstances exists, the Spanish Social Security will pay the costs of the termination.

Non-Spanish residents who contribute to the Spanish Social Security system, are entitled to the same healthcare rights as Spanish nationals. A social security card (tarjeta de seguridad social), must be shown to the doctor when the abortion is first requested. This is available from your asesoria or employer.

If the case does not fit into one of the four categories mentioned above, then the abortion will not be covered by the Spanish national health service. However, those on a low income can apply for help with the costs.

There is not currently a dedicated termination clinic in Fuerteventura, or indeed this end of the Canary Islands, so do speak to your doctor as soon as possible who will be able to advise whether it is possible for a doctor on the island to perform the procedure, or whether a trip is in order.

Attitudes Towards Abortion in Fuerteventura

Views range from the one stance that abortion is only admissible in the case where the woman’s physical health is at risk, to the other extreme who believe women have the right to voluntarily end their pregnancy at any given time and for whatever reason. This website does not publicly announce or support any views.

The morning-after pill is often used in Spanish lands and can be obtained from your doctor or a gynaecologist. Showing your medical card will mean the price is greatly reduced for you. Again, this is not available over the counter at a Farmacia without a prescription.

Currently displaying October 2009

Late night chemists in Puerto del Rosario
1st    Calle León y Castillo, 77
2nd    Calle Fernández Castañeyra, 17
3rd    Calle Comandante Díaz Trayter, 82 – El Charco
4th    Avda. Juan de Bethencourt, 85 – Fabelo
5th    Calle Secundino Alonso, 49
6th    Avda. 1º de mayo, 43
7th    Calle León y Castillo, 77
8th    Calle Fernández Castañeyra, 17
9th    Calle Comandante Díaz Trayter, 82 – El Charco
10th    Avda. Juan de Bethencourt, 85 – Fabelo
11th    Calle Secundino Alonso, 49
12th    Avda. 1º de mayo, 43
13th    Calle León y Castillo, 77
14th    Calle Fernández Castañeyra, 17
15th    Calle Comandante Díaz Trayter, 82 – El Charco
16th    Avda. Juan de Bethencourt, 85 – Fabelo
17th    Calle Secundino Alonso, 49
18th    Avda. 1º de mayo, 43
19th    Calle León y Castillo, 77
20th    Calle Fernández Castañeyra, 17
21st    Calle Comandante Díaz Trayter, 82 – El Charco
22nd    Avda. Juan de Bethencourt, 85 – Fabelo
23rd    Calle Secundino Alonso, 49
24th    Avda. 1º de mayo, 43
25th    Calle León y Castillo, 77
26th    Calle Fernández Castañeyra, 17
27th    Calle Comandante Díaz Trayter, 82 – El Charco
28th    Avda. Juan de Bethencourt, 85 – Fabelo
29th    Calle Secundino Alonso, 49
30th    Avda. 1º de mayo, 43
31st    Calle León y Castillo, 77

Late night chemists in Corralejo (La Oliva)
1st    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 44 – Corralejo
2nd    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 67 – CC. Brisamar – Corralejo
3rd    Calle Isaac Peral, No. 40 – Corralejo
4th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 44 – Corralejo
5th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 67 – CC. Brisamar – Corralejo
6th    Calle Isaac Peral, No. 40 – Corralejo
7th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 44 – Corralejo
8th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 67 – CC. Brisamar – Corralejo
9th    Calle Isaac Peral, No. 40 – Corralejo
10th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 44 – Corralejo
11th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 67 – CC. Brisamar – Corralejo
12th    Calle Isaac Peral, No. 40 – Corralejo
13th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 44 – Corralejo
14th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 67 – CC. Brisamar – Corralejo
15th    Calle Isaac Peral, No. 40 – Corralejo
16th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 44 – Corralejo
17th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 67 – CC. Brisamar – Corralejo
18th    Calle Isaac Peral, No. 40 – Corralejo
19th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 44 – Corralejo
20th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 67 – CC. Brisamar – Corralejo
21st    Calle Isaac Peral, No. 40 – Corralejo
22nd    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 44 – Corralejo
23rd    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 67 – CC. Brisamar – Corralejo
24th    Calle Isaac Peral, No. 40 – Corralejo
25th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 44 – Corralejo
26th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 67 – CC. Brisamar – Corralejo
27th    Calle Isaac Peral, No. 40 – Corralejo
28th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 44 – Corralejo
29th    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 67 – CC. Brisamar – Corralejo
30th    Calle Isaac Peral, No. 40 – Corralejo
31st    Avda. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 44 – Corralejo

Late night chemists in Caleta de Fuste
Every day    Local B1 del C.C. El Castillo, Avda. El Castillo – Caleta de Fuste

Late night chemists in Morro Jable & Jandía
1st    Calle Senador Velázquez, 38 – Morrojable
2nd    Montaña de la Muda, 6 – Esquinzo
3rd    Calle Ciervo, 25 – Morro Jable
4th    Shopping Center Jandía – Jandía
5th    Calle Senador Velázquez, 38 – Morrojable
6th    Montaña de la Muda, 6 – Esquinzo
7th    Calle Ciervo, 25 – Morro Jable
8th    Shopping Center Jandía – Jandía
9th    Calle Senador Velázquez, 38 – Morrojable
10th    Montaña de la Muda, 6 – Esquinzo
11th    Calle Ciervo, 25 – Morro Jable
12th    Shopping Center Jandía – Jandía
13th    Calle Senador Velázquez, 38 – Morrojable
14th    Montaña de la Muda, 6 – Esquinzo
15th    Calle Ciervo, 25 – Morro Jable
16th    Shopping Center Jandía – Jandía
17th    Calle Senador Velázquez, 38 – Morrojable
18th    Montaña de la Muda, 6 – Esquinzo
19th    Calle Ciervo, 25 – Morro Jable
20th    Shopping Center Jandía – Jandía
21st    Calle Senador Velázquez, 38 – Morrojable
22nd    Montaña de la Muda, 6 – Esquinzo
23rd    Calle Ciervo, 25 – Morro Jable
24th    Shopping Center Jandía – Jandía
25th    Calle Senador Velázquez, 38 – Morrojable
26th    Montaña de la Muda, 6 – Esquinzo
27th    Calle Ciervo, 25 – Morro Jable
28th    Shopping Center Jandía – Jandía
29th    Calle Senador Velázquez, 38 – Morrojable
30th    Montaña de la Muda, 6 – Esquinzo
31st    Calle Ciervo, 25 – Morro Jable

It takes us some considerable time to keep this list updated – so please do not remove the information. We are happy, however, for you to link directly to this page from your own website. Here’s the link you can use:

http://www.fuerteventurarelocation.co.uk/late-night-chemists-in-fuerteventura/

Hospital in Fuerteventura
(Municipality. Name. Address. Telephone)
Puerto del Rosario. Hospital General de Fuerteventura. Ctra. Aeropuerto, km. 1. 928862020

Health Centres in Fuerteventura
(Municipality. Name. Address. Telephone)
La Oliva. Corralejo. Avda. Juan Carlos I, Nº 16. 928535969
La Oliva. La Oliva. C/ Emilio Martinez Castelló, Nº 13. 928868502
Jandia. Morro Jable. Bco. Del Ciervo, S/N. 928545070
Jandia. Costa Calma. Avda. Happag Lloyd, S/N. 928875564
Puerto del Rosario. Puerto del Rosario. Avda 1º de Mayo 73. 928859550
Puerto del Rosario. Betancuria    C/ Roberto Roldan, Nº 3. 928878726
Puerto del Rosario. Valle de Santa Inés. C/ San Bartolomé, S/N. 928878754
Puerto del Rosario. Vega de Rio Palma. C/ San Sebastián, Nº 17    928878455
Puerto del Rosario. Antigua. C/ Perez Brito, Nº 4. 928878012
Tuineje – Pájara. Gran Tarajal. C/ Isa Majorera, S/N. 928870889
Tuineje – Pájara. Tuineje. Ctra. De Las Casitas, S/N. 928164272
Tuineje – Pájara. La Lajita. C/ Adargoma,S/N. 928872049
Tuineje – Pájara. Tarajalejo. C/ Corazón De María, S/N. 928872115
Tuineje – Pájara. Pájara. C/ Virgen De La Regla, S/N. 928161760
Tuineje – Pájara. Tiscamanita. Ctra. Gral. Tiscamanita, S/N. 928164288

Why Fuerteventura? Many retirees choose the Canary Islands because of the warm weather. They may have holidayed here a few times, giving them great memories whenever they hear the Fuerteventura mentioned. Perhaps they’ve just simply had enough of the grind in the UK and Ireland, and fancy the change of pace that the Island can offer.

Fuerteventura has a huge amount to offer for many reasons. We’ve already mentioned the climate, but what about the well established expat community? Although Fuerteventura is quieter than a couple of the other Canary islands, it still has a great network to support you as you settle into your new life. Speaking Spanish is a real benefit, but with such an established English speaking contingent, you can actually get on while you take a few lessons in the local lingo. There are a number of translation services on the Island, and people happy to offer help and advice (yes, just like us).

Problems? Of course, a big problem for many people moving to Fuerteventura is the reduction in contact with friends and family from “back home”. But with Skype, and a decent airport – the world isn’t such a big place after all. As long as you try to avoid flying during the school holidays, there are often cheap flights to be had. Here’s hoping that another flight operator jumps in to replace Ryanair. You’ll also find that family and friends will jump at the chance to come and spend time in your new house in the sun.

Healthcare. Make sure that you place a priority on gaining proper health care support when you arrive. Your entitlement to healthcare won’t be an issue, as long as you have paid your contributions. Speak to HM Revenue & Customs for advice on this. We cannot advise you ourselves, as every case is different. You may also wish to look at taking out private health care for peace of mind, but do ensure you read all of your paperworkwith a fine toothcomb. Going for the cheapest deal might not be the best for you in the case of emergency or longer term care.

The Spanish custom is to care for your families at home, rather than placing them into a nursing home. But as long as you are well insured, you will enjoy the benefits of the highest standards of health care.

Transferring money to Fuerteventura. The recent weak exchange rate has meant that your pound sterling is not worth nearly as much in Euros as it was previously. So if you are considering transferring a large amount of cash over, then do be careful. As this article is being penned, the rate is €1.07 to £1.00 – compared to €1.42 when we arrived in 2006. – That’s an astonishing €0.35 difference – a lot of money when you are talking in larger amounts of money.

As long as you have thought the whole process through carefully, and ensured that you are covered medically and financially, then Fuerteventura can offer you a fabulous place to spend your twilight years.

Good luck!

1. How to kill them.
There are many ways of killing mosquitoess, including squishing them against walls (Don’t! It makes a hell of a mess. Crush them against something that sponges off easily.)

There are also many sprays and plug ins available on the market, that when aimed at these little bloodsuckers, will work quickly and effectively. Your local supermarkets will stock a variety of these for you.

If you fancy a bit more fun and action in your mosquito killing – then why not buy one of those electric fly zappers, and tone up those flabby bits at the same time? Maybe offer to go and do the neighbor’s mozzies as part of your new fitness regime too! But do let us know ahead of time, so that we can film it ready for pop on here for everyone else’s amusement .)

2. How to keep them away
Okay – now it gets a little bit more “hit and miss”. There are so many different words of advice for this… so we’ll just tell you what has worked for us.

Garlic – don’t knock this aromatic little bulb. Mozzies hate garlic – and they also hate yeast. So make sure plenty of both is in your diet. That doesn’t mean 12 pints of beer, and a kebab every night! We use garlic in 95% of our dishes. Everything from the usual spag bol, to garlic bread, to salad dressings, and marinades. We even crush up half a clove into the dog’s food… to stop him getting bitten too. It seems to work fine for him!

We have also noticed however, that the longer we have lived here – the less we seem to get bitten. It certainly never seems to bother our Spanish friends. When we ask them, they just shrug and say they don’t notice them.

Avon Skin So Soft is used by so many people (yes, even men too!) as a mosquito repellant – and with marked results. Because it’s not too perfumed, you can slap it all over without a problem. It’s ok fellas… if anyone says anything about it to you – just tell them why. We won’t think any the less of you for it.

Plug-ins – Ok… many people swear by these. Personally, we’ve found them no good at all. But do make your own mind up with them.

Citronella candles – we haven’t tried this ourselves yet, but other have said it does seem to deter them. We’d love to hear from anyone who has used them successfully.

Mosquito screens. If you can… do invest in some mosquito screens for your windows. It means you can still have a Fuerteventura breeze through your windows at night, but without Mr Mozz and his many family members nipping in for a good chomp. However, if your door is wide open, they’ll just come in that way instead. Also screen any vents you may have too.

3. How to take that awful itch away
Right – the first thing to remember is… Don’t scratch! By scratching your skin you are doing two things. Firstly you are stimulating the nerve endings.. so it will itch and irritate more. Give it a sharp slap instead. this deadens the nerve endings instead. Secondly, you can scar from this – not easy on the eye.

Try spray on deodorant. I read this in a forum a few months back, and was not convinced. However, i thought I’d give it a go. And yes, it worked! Use a spray on deodorant and aim it at the bite. The cooling numbs the area, taking that itch away for you. Don’t prolong the spray for too long though, or too closely, or you may risk freeze burn.

Other things to ensure
Make sure there is no standing water inside or outside your home. That’s where the mosquitoes will lay their many eggs. So empty out containers and plant pots in the garden after the rain, and clear any guttering. Don’t worry about the pool though, as usually you will have chemicals in there that keep these little monsters at bay.

Picture courtesy of National Geographic

Here’s hoping you have a bite free year!