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Asian tiger mosquito

Climate change, characterized by mild winters and hot summers, is promoting the spread of heat-loving native and non-native animal and plant species. The Asian tiger mosquito is one species that is benefiting from these changes.

Controlling Breeding Sites in the Fall
Asian Tiger Mosquito — Controlling Breeding Sites in the Fall

Background

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is native to Southeast Asia and has been spreading worldwide for decades through global travel and trade; it has also been detected in Germany since 2007.

Tiger mosquitoes can multiply rapidly because it takes time for the natural balance to be restored, for example, through an increase in the number of predators in the food chain. The first small populations of tiger mosquitoes were also detected in the Mainz metropolitan area last year. In 2026, there were no recorded populations.

Dealing with Breeding Sites in the Fall

Breast Cancer Screening in the Fall
Asian Tiger Mosquito — Control Measures at Breeding Sites in the Fall

It’s also worth thoroughly cleaning potential breeding sites for the Asian tiger mosquito in the fall. This is because the Asian tiger mosquito does not survive the winter here as an adult, but rather in the form of eggs. These eggs are particularly stubborn and are found just above the water’s surface on the inner walls of containers. Starting in late March, larvae can hatch from them again.

Clean the containers thoroughly

To reliably remove the eggs, all containers should first be carefully scrubbed on the inside with a brush. Then rinse the brush and the inside of the container with water. The rinse water can be allowed to seep into the ground in a grassy area.

An even more effective method is to use hot water: Thoroughly rinse the insides of the containers with water at least 60 °C. This will kill any tiger mosquito eggs that are attached.

You should check these areas

Pay special attention to areas where water can collect, such as:

Flower pots, planters, and saucers
Buckets and watering cans
Rain barrels
Vases and bowls
Animal drinking troughs
Children’s toys
Drains and other containers
Gutters up to about 4 meters high
Indentations and folds in tarps

Inform the neighborhood

The tiger mosquito doesn’t stop at property lines. That’s why it’s important for as many households as possible to participate and eliminate potential breeding sites.

Many balcony plants are brought indoors for the winter. Tiger mosquitoes—or their eggs—can enter homes unnoticed via plants and flower pots. Cleaning these containers in the fall reduces the likelihood that the first tiger mosquitoes will hatch right at the start of spring.

Be sure to talk to your neighbors, too. Together, we can effectively curb the spread of the tiger mosquito.

Further information

Explanations and notes

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