The mosquito can become a nuisance and is, in principle, capable of transmitting pathogens such as the dengue and chikungunya viruses to humans. However, the tiger mosquito does not naturally carry these pathogens; it must first bite an infected person to acquire the viruses. In Germany, the risk of transmission is currently classified as low. 

Through ongoing inspections and comprehensive consultations with KABS, the tiger mosquito population in the Southeast district has already been successfully reduced in previous years. 

In 2026 as well, preventive measures against the tiger mosquito will once again be carried out in the usual, reliable collaboration with the Municipal Action Group for Combating the Mosquito Plague (KABS).  

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

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

In addition to the city’s measures, the public’s proactive efforts are crucial to preventing the further establishment of the Asian tiger mosquito. 

The most effective measure for controlling the Asian tiger mosquito is to prevent or eliminate potential breeding sites. Tiger mosquitoes develop within a week in water-filled containers (such as rain barrels, planters, saucers, and animal water troughs). At the same time, yard drains, clogged and/or sagging gutters, and hollow fence posts—due to the potential for standing water—provide an ideal breeding ground. Since the mosquito flies only a few hundred meters, the breeding site is located either on your own property or on adjacent properties. 

Measures to combat tiger mosquito breeding sites should be implemented regularly from April through October. Detailed information and examples of breeding sites are available on the KABS website at www.kabsev.de. 

If it is not possible to implement these measures for all breeding sites, the remaining potential breeding sites can be treated every 14 days with Bti tablets. Bti kills only mosquito larvae; the active ingredient is harmless to other insect groups and animals (such as bees, hedgehogs, birds, and pets) as well as to humans. The tablets are available free of charge at the Environmental Store, City Hall, and most local administrative offices, such as those in Biebrich, Dotzheim, Kastel/Kostheim, and Schierstein. Detailed information is available on the city’s website: www.wiesbaden.de/leben-in-wiesbaden/umwelt-natur-klima/natur-landschaft/stechmuecken (opens in a new tab)

If, despite all measures taken, tiger mosquitoes continue to cause significant nuisance, affected residents can contact KABS directly:

Online form: www.kabsev.de/kontakt-tigermuecke (opens in a new tab)

A specialist will then contact you to schedule an on-site visit. Ideally, neighbors should also attend this visit.

The director of the Wiesbaden Health Department, Prof. Dr. med. René-Maxime Gracien, explains: “The measures currently being taken to combat the tiger mosquito are important for reducing the risk of disease transmission in the future.”

Given the increasing spread of the tiger mosquito, the active cooperation of the public is essential. Tips and reports of suspected cases from the public play a significant role in identifying new areas of infestation and combating the tiger mosquito.