Asian tiger mosquito discovered: Waiblingen asks for your help!

Asian tiger mosquito discovered: Waiblingen asks for your help!

The Asian tiger mosquito, a potential vector of tropical diseases, has now attracted a lot of attention in the Rems-Murr district. The city of Waiblingen reported the sighting of the first specimens of this invasive species in its official gazette “Staufer-Kurier” on June 26th. This makes the city and especially the community of Kernen a “hotspot” for the spread of the mosquito, calling on citizens to actively contribute to containing its spread. There have been previous reports of sightings of the Asian tiger mosquito, which could pose a health threat.

What is particularly noteworthy is that the Asian tiger mosquito is capable of transmitting tropical infectious agents such as the dengue, chikungunya or Zika virus. However, so far there have been no transmissions in Baden-Württemberg. Returnees from tropical countries are advised to take appropriate mosquito protection measures for the first 14 days after their return. These include wearing covering clothing, using mosquito repellent and using mosquito nets.

Combat measures

A proposal is currently being discussed in Baden-Württemberg to facilitate the distribution of Bti tablets to combat mosquito larvae. These biocides have the advantage that they effectively kill mosquito larvae. The proposal was passed unanimously at a recent conference of the federal state health ministers in Weimar. This could be a significant relief for municipalities, which currently have to conduct mandatory consultations before dispensing the tablets - a process that often cannot be managed by staff.

With the support of various federal states, the initiative aims to change federal law to enable Bti tablets to be distributed easily. A timely implementation of these measures could help curb the proliferation of the Asian tiger mosquito throughout the state.

Practical tips for prevention

Citizens are strongly encouraged to take responsibility for their own contribution to combating mosquitoes. This includes closing. regularly emptying or removing outdoor water containers. Bird baths and dog bowls should also be checked weekly and freshly filled. Sightings of the Asian tiger mosquito can be reported to the Municipal Action Group to Combat the Flycatcher Plague (KABS) to enable more precise monitoring and control.

The characteristics of the Asian tiger mosquito are also easy to recognize: it has a distinctive white stripe on the back of its head and back, and five white stripes on its hind legs. With vigilant behavior and collective action, the cities in the Rems-Murr district hope to successfully contain the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito.

For further information on the situation in Waiblingen, those interested can read the article by ZVW read up. Also informed daily news about the planned measures in the fight against the Asian tiger mosquito and the challenges that the municipalities are facing.