Fight against the Asian tiger mosquito: Baden-Württemberg raises the alarm!

Fight against the Asian tiger mosquito: Baden-Württemberg raises the alarm!

Baden-Baden, Deutschland - With the beginning of the summer months, not only the temperatures increase, but also the activity of mosquitoes - and the Asian tiger mosquito, also known as aedes albopictus , is particularly attentively observed. This mosquito, which can mainly be transferred to tropical infectious diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, has been preparing the authorities in Baden-Württemberg for years. The Social Ministry reports that at the beginning of June a proposal for the submission of biological control funds, so-called BTI-tablets, for Insulation of the tiger mosquito was decided. This received the approval of all federal states and is now waiting for the formal implementation in federal law.

The Asian tiger mosquito has gained a fad of a foothold in recent years, especially in the warmest regions of Baden-Württemberg. According to Environmental Ministry are areas such as the Oberrheingraben, the Middle Neckar and the Rhein-Neckar region. The spread is promoted by climate change, which brings milder winter and higher summer temperatures.

risk and protective measures

Although the transfer of transmission for exotic viruses in Baden-Württemberg is currently classified as low, experts warn that this could increase with climate change. It is important that travel returners from tropical countries pay particular attention to mosquito protection in the first 14 days after their return. Recommended measures are long clothing, the use of mosquito sprays with ingredients such as deet or icaridine as well as the attachment of close -knit window grilles.

a current study shows that the transmission capacity of the tiger mosquito depends heavily on the temperatures. In fluctuating temperatures between 18 ° C and 21 ° C, the virus transmission rate was the highest. These findings show that there is also an increased risk in Baden-Württemberg at continuing high temperatures, if a mosquito already absorbs blood from an infected person.

recognize the Asian tiger mosquito

But how do you recognize the Asian tiger mosquito? It has a height of about 3 to 8 mm and has a characteristic black and white pattern, including a white strip on the back of the head and five white stripes on the hind legs. These characteristics are crucial to identify the mosquito and, if necessary, to send reports to the municipal campaign community to combat the Schnakenplage e.V.

Sustainable control of the tiger mosquito also requires the avoidance of breeding grounds, i.e. removing small water accumulation in watering can, flower pot coasters and the like. Bird drinks should be cleaned weekly so that the mosquitoes do not offer nesting places. Free water containers should be emptied or treated regularly to prevent a spawning opportunity.