The Asian tiger mosquito prefers to breed close to humans. Preferred breeding sites can be found around the house, in the garden and on the balcony, for example in watering cans, flower pot saucers, rain barrels, paddling pools or bird baths. In favorable weather conditions, i.e. during the warm summer months, it is sufficient for the tiger mosquito to develop if the water in containers of any kind stands for seven days and does not dry out.
For this reason, your own property should be checked for accumulations of water and these potential breeding sites for the Asian tiger mosquito should be removed. For example, rain barrels should be sealed, possibly with a mosquito net. Water in bird baths should be replaced regularly. Water points that cannot be removed or sealed should be treated with so-called Bti tablets. As the mosquito does not stop at property boundaries, it is also very important to inform neighbors and encourage them to join in.
The bite of a tiger mosquito looks no different to the bites of other mosquito species. It is therefore not possible to distinguish between bites from different mosquito species. If the mosquito density remains low as a result of the above-mentioned control measures, the transmission of diseases such as dengue or chikungunya is unlikely in Germany, even at higher ambient temperatures.
Recommendation for travel returnees
People visiting a country where diseases such as dengue or chikungunya are persistent or where a current outbreak is being observed should ensure that they use consistent mosquito protection during their trip and afterwards. This recommendation applies without restriction and is independent of disease symptoms. If symptoms develop after a trip, this should be mentioned when visiting your family doctor. Insect screens on windows and doors and insect repellents help to protect against mosquito bites. Mosquito repellent should be kept on for two weeks after returning home to avoid transmitting the virus to a mosquito.
Suspected cases can be reported to the health department of the district administration, KABS e.V., the Baden-Württemberg State Health Office or the Mosquito Atlas. Copies can either be sent to the health department by post or informative photos can be sent by email to
gesundheitsschutz[at]landkreis-ludwigsburg.de. Please make sure that the head of the mosquito is visible from the front and the hind legs are visible in the photos, as this is where the specific characteristics of the mosquito can be seen.
