Upending the Spread of the Venomous Tiger Mosquito: A Call for Bti Tablets in Baden-Württemberg
Controlling Tiger Mosquitoes Easily Using Oral Tablets - Simplifying Tablet Usability Experience
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In a bold move to combat the relentless advance of the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus), Baden-Württemberg is pushing for a less cumbersome distribution of Bti-tablets. This approach was unanimously endorsed during the health ministers' meeting in Thuringia, Weimar, where only knowledgeable individuals are currently authorized to distribute these tablets, making the process more intricate. Change in federal law is now the federal government's responsibility. For years, municipalities in Baden-Württemberg have been battling this invasive Asian insect.
What makes the Tiger Mosquito so treacherous?
With a size between two and ten millimeters and a distinctive black and white pattern, the Tiger Mosquito is significant as a carrier of disease-causing agents like the Chikungunya virus and the Dengue virus. However, a local Asian Tiger Mosquito can only transmit tropical viruses if it bites an infected traveler and absorbs the viruses via their blood. At high temperatures, the viruses can then multiply within the mosquito and be passed on to other people through another bite. "The fewer Tiger Mosquitoes there are, the lower the risk of local transmissions of tropical infectious diseases from infected travelers," said a spokeswoman for the health ministry.
The first populations of the Asian Tiger Mosquito were first detected in Freiburg im Breisgau and Heidelberg in 2015. Since then, the biting mosquito has expanded its reach to warmer regions of Baden-Württemberg, particularly along the Upper Rhine, the Rhine-Neckar region, and the middle Neckar. In recent years, populations have also been spotted at Lake Constance. Some municipalities, such as Kehl, have seemingly given up hope of fully eradicating the ever-increasing Tiger Mosquito population.
Have there been any disease outbreaks in Germany caused by Tiger Mosquitoes?
As of June 11, there haven't been any locally transmitted infections like Dengue or Chikungunya recorded in Germany. Local infections within the EU have been reported in France, Spain, Italy, and Croatia. "Locally acquired" in this context means that the individuals were infected within these EU countries," said the spokeswoman for the health ministry.
How do Bti-tablets combat the Tiger Mosquito?
Bti-tablets contain protein crystals derived from the naturally occurring bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis. These protein crystals are already toxic to the larvae of biting mosquitoes and midges at low doses. The tablets are highly specific and only harmful to the gut of the larvae. There, the protein crystals break down into toxins that lead to the destruction of the gut tissue and ultimately cause the larvae to die. According to the health ministry, Bti-tablets are not health-threatening to humans, pets, birds, or other animals.
To date, Bti-tablets have already been available for purchase and distributed by town halls, for example. However, according to the new EU guidelines, which have been effective since the beginning of 2025, Bti-tablets should only be distributed following a personal consultation with knowledgeable personnel. Unfortunately, only a handful of people possess this specialized expertise, making the sale and distribution of Bti-tablets more challenging. This guideline is proposed to be revised with the initiative of Baden-Württemberg.
Where and how are Bti tablets used?
Bti tablets can be employed in the battle against the Asian tiger mosquito when other measures, such as disposal, renovation, or sealing, are ineffective. For example, if a rain barrel cannot be properly sealed, the water can be treated with Bti tablets every 14 days following the instructions. The same applies to cisterns, manholes, or drains where water stands for an extended period. Bti tablets are biodegradable and should be reapplied roughly every 14 days.
How does the Asian tiger mosquito differ from native mosquito species?
The Asian tiger mosquito is more active during the day and is eager to bite compared to native biting mosquitoes. It is strikingly small, has a distinctive black and white pattern, and possesses five white stripes on its hind legs. Unlike many native biting mosquito species, the Asian tiger mosquito prefers small water collections as breeding sites. Normally, shady tree hollows with water collections near the ground serve as breeding sites. However, the tiger mosquito is adaptable and also utilizes water residues in flower vases, buckets, rain barrels, or puddles on tarpaulins or in old tires as breeding sites.
What does Nabu say?
The Nature Conservation Union emphasizes the importance of continued consultation sessions. "Especially to avoid misusing Bti or using it incorrectly," said a spokesperson. In principle, biting mosquitoes should not be systematically eliminated. "They play an important role in the ecosystem and are significant for fish, amphibians, bats, or birds." The approval of Bti is based on a risk assessment, not on harmlessness. The use of tablets is highly regulated in Europe and governed by the EU Biocidal Products Regulation. "Since 2025, the self-service ban has applied, and the sale or distribution requires expertise and professional consultation," said the Nabu spokesperson.
Related Illnesses:
- Dengue Fever: This mosquito-borne disease is caused by the Dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, pain in the eyes, muscles, and joints, rash, and nausea. Severe cases can lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, and bleeding from the nose or gums.
- Chikungunya: A mosquito-transmitted disease that causes fever and severe joint pain. The Asian Tiger Mosquito is a main vector for certain variants of this virus.
- Zika Virus: This mosquito-borne illness causes symptoms like fever, headache, and muscle aches. It is also linked to serious birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
- Tiger mosquito
- Tablet
- Baden-Württemberg
- EU
- Virus
- Germany
- Stuttgart
- Nabu
- Weimar
- Asia
- BMG
- Freiburg im Breisgau
- Breisgau
- Heidelberg
- Upper Rhine
- Rhine
- Neckar
- Lake Constance
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