Fighting Tiger Mosquitoes Simplified through Oral Medication

Combat the Asian Tiger Mosquito Menace with Ease: Tablets in Sight

In an initiative by Baden-Württemberg, battling the invasive Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) could soon become simpler, thanks to proposed changes in distribution methods for so-called Bti-tablets. At the health ministers meeting in Thuringia’s Weimar, this proposal was unanimously supported. The current distribution process, limited to knowledgeable individuals, is seen as too complex. The federal government is expected to implement changes in federal law to simplify the process. Municipalities across Baden-Württemberg have been fighting against this Asian intruder for years.

The deceivingly small yet dangerous tiger mosquito, known for its distinctive black and white pattern, is of concern due to its role as a carrier of devastating pathogens like the Chikungunya virus and dengue virus. Though a local Asian tiger mosquito can only transmit tropical viruses if it bites an infected traveler and absorbs the viruses through blood, the implications are severe. High temperatures allow viruses to multiply within the mosquito, increasing the chances of transmission to other individuals through bites. As a health ministry spokeswoman stated, "The fewer tiger mosquitoes there are, the lower the risk of local transmissions of tropical infectious diseases from infected travelers."

The first Asian tiger mosquito populations were detected in 2015, in Freiburg im Breisgau and Heidelberg. Since then, this biting menace has spread to warmer regions of Baden-Württemberg, notably along the Upper Rhine, the Rhine-Neckar region, and the middle Neckar. Populations have also been found at Lake Constance. In recent years, some municipalities, such as Kehl, have admitted defeat in their quest to halt the Asian tiger mosquito population spread.

No local disease outbreaks caused by tiger mosquitoes have been reported in Germany, as of June 11. However, incidents of locally transmitted diseases like dengue or Chikungunya have been recorded in France, Spain, Italy, and Croatia. "Locally acquired" in this context means that these cases were discovered within the EU.

Bti-tablets, containing protein crystals derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, are specific to the larvae's gut and toxic to biting mosquitoes and midges at low doses. The tablets are not harmful to humans, pets, birds, or other animals. Bti-tablets have been available for purchase and distribution for some time. However, due to new EU guidelines implemented in 2025, distribution is limited to after a personal consultation with knowledgeable staff. Baden-Württemberg aims to change this, a development that has the potential to make distribution more accessible.

Bti tablets should be used to combat the Asian tiger mosquito when other measures, such as disposal, renovation, or sealing, are inconclusive. For example, if a rain barrel cannot be sealed properly, Bti tablets can be used every 14 days according to instructions to treat the water. The same applies to cisterns, manholes, or drains where water stands for a longer period. Bti tablets are biodegradable and should be reapplied every 14 days.

The Asian tiger mosquito is more active during the day and eager to bite compared to native biting mosquitoes. It can adapt to small water accumulations as breeding sites, preferring shady tree cavities or even water residues in flower vases, buckets, rain barrels, or puddles on tarpaulins or in old tires.

The nature conservation association, NABU, emphasizes the importance of maintaining consultation sessions to prevent misuse or incorrect use of Bti. In principle, biting mosquitoes should not be systematically eradicated, as they play an essential role in the ecosystem, benefiting fish, amphibians, bats, birds, and other animals. The use of the tablets is strictly regulated in Europe and governed by the EU Biocidal Products Regulation.

Tiger mosquito
Tablet
Baden-Württemberg
EU
Virus
Asian
Germany
Stuttgart
Climate change
Weimar
Dengue fever
Chikungunya
Freiburg im Breisgau
Heidelberg
Upper Rhine
Rhine-Neckar region
Lake Constance
Native mosquitoes
NABU

Additional insights:

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is capable of transmitting several diseases, including dengue fever and chikungunya. These diseases were once confined to tropical regions but are becoming more prevalent in Europe due to the spread of this mosquito species, facilitated by climate change[1][2]. In Germany, while local transmission of these diseases is not yet widespread, the presence of Aedes albopictus poses a growing risk. The mosquito's ability to thrive in warmer conditions means that Germany could face increased outbreaks of these diseases as the climate continues to warm[1][2].
Another mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, is more commonly associated with the transmission of diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. However, Aedes aegypti is not typically found in Germany, so the primary concern remains Aedes albopictus and the diseases it can transmit[3].

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