The Asian tiger mosquito can transmit pathogens such as dengue, chikungunya or zika viruses. These viruses are not yet widespread in Germany, but could be introduced by infected travelers returning.
The first specimens of the tropical mosquito were detected in Germany more than ten years ago. The fight against uncontrolled spread is likely to become an ongoing task in the future.
For the dengue pathogen, the RKI states that in Germany, mosquitoes that are suitable for its spread have been found, at least in theory, but that the local climatic conditions have so far been unsuitable for transmission.
Only at temperatures that have rarely been reached here, even in summer, do such tropical viruses multiply really well. The hotspots for possible outbreaks of Zika, dengue and chikungunya are – so far – more likely to be Italy, southern France and Greece.
Surfing tips:
Experts rely on conventional means: long, tight clothing as well as insect spray and nets are effective means against the annoying pests. Anyone who is haunted by insects in the house or garden should dry out or cover breeding sites. This can be rain barrels, water buckets, bird baths, watering cans, flower vases, plant bowls, but also tarpaulins, rubbish or clogged drains. The removal of breeding waters is therefore central to combating them. “It should be checked everywhere and again and again whether open vessels of any kind in which water can collect are necessary in the garden,” it says.
Insects living in natural garden ponds, such as dragonflies or water beetles, therefore reduce mosquito larvae. Newts, salamanders, frogs and toads eat the adult mosquitoes and their larvae.
There is no preventive medicinal protection against the animals or the pathogens they transmit.
