May 28, 2024, 12:38 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

The danger posed by small creatures should not be underestimated. The Asian tiger mosquito, for example, can transmit dangerous diseases. As the name suggests, this mosquito species originally comes from Asia. It is now found in many German states. To minimize its spread, gardeners can remove breeding sites.

How widespread is the Asian tiger mosquito in Germany?

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) is the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, focusing on diagnosing and combating animal diseases. Dr. Aleksandra Brandt from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute told myHOMEBOOK: “Most populations of the tiger mosquito are in southwestern Germany in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and southern Hesse.” However, the Asian tiger mosquito has also been detected in certain districts in Bavaria, Jena, and Berlin.

Brandt expects further spread of the tiger mosquito in Germany due to climate change. “The tiger mosquito often settles in allotment gardens, cemeteries, or campsites–anywhere small and large, natural and artificial water containers are available for egg-laying.” The FLI determines how widespread the insect is in Germany at the end of each year. Here you can find a map of the mosquito’s presence in 2023.

Originally, the mosquito comes from the Asia-Pacific region. However, due to trade or travel, it has spread worldwide. It has been detected in 26 countries across Europe, and in 19, it is even considered established. In Germany, it was first sighted in 2007.

How is Germany combating the foreign mosquito?

Measures against mosquitoes are a state matter. According to the FLI, traditional physical, biological, and chemical methods are common. “In combating the Asian tiger mosquito, reducing breeding sites and eliminating larvae in their breeding waters by applying Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) toxin is a priority,” Brandt explains. She emphasizes that public support is particularly necessary in combating mosquitoes breeding in water containers, such as rain barrels.

How can you keep the Asian tiger mosquito out of your garden?

“Tiger mosquitoes also lay their eggs in shallow water,” Brandt notes. She adds, “Therefore, it’s important to regularly empty watering cans in the garden or seal rain barrels well.” The Federal Environment Agency advises myHOMEBOOK that gardeners should avoid unnecessary standing water in the garden to prevent providing a habitat for Asian tiger mosquitoes. In addition to watering cans, birdbaths and similar items should be completely emptied once a week.

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Recognizing the Asian tiger mosquito

With a body size of about 0.9 centimeters, the Asian tiger mosquito is very small. Brandt explains: “The body of the Asian tiger mosquito is black. White stripes can be seen on the abdomen and hind legs. The last part of the hind legs is white.” Its distinctive coloring makes it easy to distinguish the tiger mosquito from local species.

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How dangerous is the mosquito here?

The Asian mosquito can potentially transmit pathogens such as nematodes and more than 20 viruses, including the West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. “The viruses can cause life-threatening diseases in humans and animals,” says the FLI spokesperson.

However, the risk in Germany is low, as the Federal Environment Agency emphasized to myHOMEBOOK. Both the number of virus carriers and the general presence of the mosquito are limited.

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What should you do after being bitten by an Asian tiger mosquito?

After a bite, it’s important to stay calm, as not every mosquito is a carrier of dangerous viruses. “If symptoms such as fever or chills occur after the bite, you should see a doctor,” Brandt advises.

Caught a mosquito? Here’s where you can send it

If you find tiger mosquitoes in your garden, you can catch and send them in. “The Mosquito Atlas maps the mosquitoes,” Brandt says. To allow scientists to conduct an analysis, you should catch the insects alive and freeze them. More information about mosquito hunting can be found on the Mosquito Atlas website.