Alarm level red in the Bergstrasse district: Asian tiger mosquito spreads!

Alarm level red in the Bergstrasse district: Asian tiger mosquito spreads!

In the district of Bergstrasse, a comprehensive educational campaign is currently being started, which deals with one of the most feared mosquito species: the Asian tiger mosquito. This invasive way can not only cause annoying stitches, but also transmit serious diseases such as yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya fever. The mosquito has originally immigrated from Southeast Asia and has now been detected in many regions of Germany, including Hesse. While the mosquito species was only found in three municipalities in Germany in 2016, the number of reports in 2024 already reached 171, which underlines the urgency of the Enlightenment and Prevention, such as ffh reported.

The Asian tiger mosquito, which is only between 0.5 and 0.9 cm small and is noticeable with its characteristic black and white pattern, is particularly active in summer, which makes it an ideal candidate for the current precaution. This type of mosquito is not only on hunting during the day, but also remains active in sunshine and heat, which distinguishes it from local species. Artur Jöst, the head of the exotic mosquito working group, describes it as "annoying and aggressive". In regions such as Einhausen, Bürstadt and Hirschhorn, copies have already been discovered that could have come to Germany through international goods traffic, such as Altreifen or “GlücksBambus”, according to Federal Environmental Office.

health risks and distribution

Every stitch from the Asian tiger mosquito can not only itch and swell, but also increase the risk of serious illnesses. In recent years, illnesses have been documented in southern Europe that have been caused by this type of mosquito. The possibility that the mosquito can also transfer viruses to dogs is particularly worrying. It is all the more important to prevent the increase in this mosquito species and to eliminate existing breeding grounds.

The mosquitoes lay their eggs above water surfaces, often in rain barrels or other standing waters. The eggs are resistant to cold and drought and can last for months until the optimal conditions for hatch are given. It is therefore advisable to carry out regular controls on your own property in order to avoid standing water. Recommendations include the mosquito -proof closure of regentons and the weekly empty empty of bird drinks, explains the Federal Environment Agency.

what can be done?

• Rain barrel closely close.
• Avoid standing water on the property.
• All containers such as bird and hedgehog drinks, empty weekly.

A particularly important note for all citizens: If you discover the tiger mosquito, it is advisable to take photos and upload it via a registration portal on the website of the action group. This feedback is crucial for the complete surveillance and combating the tiger mosquito, emphasizes the campaign in the Bergstrasse district.

Overall, it can be seen that the Asian tiger mosquito is not only an insidious plague, but also represents a serious risk of health. It is the responsibility of everyone to actively participate in prevention and education. The more we know about it, the better we can protect ourselves.