The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) originally comes from Southeast Asia. For many years, the tiger mosquito has been introduced through global trade and travel.

In Europe, the tiger mosquito was first sighted in Albania in 1979. About ten years later, the mosquito was discovered in northern Italy. Since then, it has spread northwards across the Mediterranean region.

In 2007, the tiger mosquito was detected at a highway parking lot (A5) near the German-Swiss border. Further tiger mosquito findings followed in the federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia, among others.

The tiger mosquito is extremely adaptable and now also finds optimal conditions in Germany, such as mild temperatures in winter and therefore a suitable habitat. If no countermeasures are taken, the tiger mosquito can multiply rapidly in warm summer months and become a massive nuisance - even the smallest accumulation of water is enough for the tiger mosquito to multiply.

The tiger mosquito has the ability to form dry and cold-resistant eggs, which can survive temperatures as low as -10 °C. The larvae and pupae of the mosquitoes, on the other hand, die at temperatures below 11 °C. As a result, it is possible that a new generation of tiger mosquitoes will hatch from the eggs the following spring.

In Hesse, the Asian tiger mosquito has now been detected at various locations for several years in succession. It can therefore be assumed that the tiger mosquito can also overwinter in Hesse.

The Asian tiger mosquito is a very small mosquito (approx. 0.5 to 1 cm) - it is significantly smaller than native mosquitoes. What clearly distinguishes the mosquito from native mosquito species are its black and white stripes across its entire body. The white stripe that runs from the back of the head over the entire back (thorax) to the base of the wings is particularly striking. On the hind leg, the coloration of the scales is black and white - five broad, silvery-white rings are visible, the last segment is strikingly white. The mouthparts consist of a proboscis and short, silvery-white palps.

In contrast to the mosquitoes known to us, it is active during the day and quite aggressive.

The Kommunale Aktionsgemeinschaft zur Bekämpfung der Schnakenplage e.V. (see further information at the bottom of this page) offers help in identifying possible tiger mosquitoes

The Asian tiger mosquito is considered to be extremely aggressive, is active during the day and can quickly become a plague and, under certain conditions, transmit pathogens such as the dengue, Zika, chikungunya and West Nile viruses to humans. The tiger mosquito does not naturally carry the pathogens, but must first bite an infected person.

The risk of infection in Germany is currently low due to the low spread of the pathogens. In order to keep the population density of the tiger mosquito and the nuisance caused by the mosquito as low as possible, effective measures should continue to be taken in good time.

The eggs, pupae and larvae of the Asian tiger mosquito can be found in (very) small pools of water. Possible breeding sites include flowerpot saucers, buckets, garden utensils, watering cans, rain barrels, toys, standing water on tarpaulins, animal troughs and hollow fence posts. Any container where rainwater can accumulate or where there is standing water can be a potential breeding ground for tiger mosquitoes.

The adults can fly and thus move away from their breeding sites. However, the tiger mosquito is quite "lazy" and therefore only flies about 100 to 200 meters.

In 2026, preventive and control measures against the tiger mosquito will once again be carried out in cooperation with the Municipal Action Group for Combating the Mosquito Plague (KABS).

For the 2026 tiger mosquito season, we plan to continue the one-time inspections of affected private properties in the Mainz-Kostheim and Mainz-Kastel districts that began in 2025. KABS specialists will conduct individual and comprehensive consultations in the affected areas. The goal is to delay or even prevent the spread of the mosquito. Property owners and residents will receive an informational letter in advance regarding the planned measures. The on-site visit is free of charge and typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. KABS e.V. staff can provide identification. In addition, accompanying trap monitoring will be conducted in both districts to monitor the spread of the mosquitoes.

Furthermore, KABS e.V. will conduct trap monitoring for an initial assessment in selected city districts where tiger mosquitoes have not yet been detected.

Please feel free to send any questions about the tiger mosquito to the following email address: gesundheitsschutzwiesbadende

There are a large number of suitable breeding sites for the Asian tiger mosquito, particularly in urban areas. This is why the tiger mosquito is mainly found here. You yourself can take effective measures on your property and in your garden to counteract their colonization.

As tiger mosquitoes only fly a few hundred meters, the breeding site is either on your own property or in the neighbourhood.

Your help is needed - protect yourself and those around you!

The most effective measure for controlling the Asian tiger mosquito is to avoid and eliminate breeding opportunities.

Important preventive measures in the period from April to October are, for example

• Emptying water accumulations - at least once a week
• Seal all places where water can collect
• Store objects protected from rain or artificial irrigation
• Keep drains clear so that water can run off
• Treat accumulations of water that cannot be removed with Bti tablets every 14 days

The Asian tiger mosquito sticks its eggs to the inside wall of water-filled containers. Rinsing containers with hot water at 60-70°C kills the eggs. The eggs can be effectively removed by thoroughly cleaning the inside walls with a brush. Then rinse the brush and the container with water and allow the water to seep into the meadow/soil, where the eggs will dry out.

Lively garden ponds with fish, newts or other predators, as well as chlorinated pools, are not breeding grounds for tiger mosquitoes. Proper drainage should be ensured for terraces on pedestals.

If, despite the measures you have taken, you notice that tiger mosquitoes have established themselves on your property, you may use biological agents (biocides) to control them.

The active ingredient Bti has been used for decades in mosquito control. Bti is a protein crystal that is lethal only to the larvae of a few mosquito species. For other animals, such as bees, hedgehogs, birds, reptiles, amphibians, dogs, and cats, as well as for humans, this biological agent is completely harmless.

The tablets containing the Bti active ingredient for controlling mosquito larvae are available free of charge at City Hall as well as at most local administrative offices, such as in Nordenstadt, Delkenheim, Dotzheim, Kastel/Kostheim, Biebrich, Schierstein, and at the Environmental Store.

Detailed information can be found here (opens in a new tab).

General information as well as recommendations for action and tips on the Asian tiger mosquito can be found in the links at the bottom of this page.

You can also contact the health department of the state capital Wiesbaden with any technical questions: E-mail address: gesundheitsschutzwiesbadende

If you have any health-related questions about the pathogens transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, such as Zika, dengue, chikungunya and West Nile virus, or if you have any questions about possible vaccinations, please contact your family doctor.

If you have sighted the tiger mosquito or suspect a sighting, please contact the Kommunale Aktionsgemeinschaft zur Bekämpfung der Schnakenplage e.V. (KABS e.V.) directly:

• E-mail: termine-tigermueckekabs-gfsde (subject: Wiesbaden)
• Online form: www.kabsev.de/kontakt-tigermuecke (opens in a new tab)

Findings can be sent to the Hessian State Office for Health and Care (HLfGP) for identification.

Further information can be found on the HLfGP homepage.

If you have any questions about mosquito findings or tiger mosquito monitoring in Hesse, please contact the Climate Change and Health Department of the HLfGP at the following e-mail address: klimahlfgp.hessende

During your trip to the tropics or subtropics, you may have been infected—perhaps without even realizing it—with tropical viruses such as dengue virus through a mosquito bite.

To prevent the spread of these viruses, it is important that you continue to take adequate precautions against mosquito bites for about two weeks after your return (e.g., wear long clothing and use repellents regularly).