Mosquito species of the Asian tiger variety discovered in Dresden
Dresden Launches Asian Tiger Mosquito Control Program
The city of Dresden has initiated a monitoring, prevention, and control program for the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus), following its detection in the Outer New Town area on August 11, 2025.
A national pest control company, APC AG, based in Nuremberg, has been commissioned to implement this program. The traps they will be using, known as BG-GAT traps, are safe for humans and animals.
Starting from Monday, these traps will be set up around Tannenstraße in the New Town. The evaluation of these traps provides data on the distribution and density of the Tiger Mosquito population.
Residents of the affected district will be informed about the recognition of breeding sites and effective countermeasures through personal conversations, post, email, a website, and webinars by October 2025.
To prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, residents are advised to eliminate standing water sources such as flower pots, buckets, and gutters. If securing water containers is not possible, the larvicide BTI, which specifically targets Tiger Mosquito larvae, is used.
Rain barrels and other water containers should be secured with mosquito nets or tightly closing lids, if possible. Submitted specimens should be in a secure container like a surprise egg or a film canister. Findings should be reported quickly to the State Investigation Office via email at [email protected] or by phone at 0351 81441300.
Further information can be found at www.dresden.de/tigermuecke. This combined approach of detection, trapping, and public awareness aims to minimize the impact of this invasive species in Dresden’s Outer New Town.
Key features to recognize the Asian tiger mosquito include:
- Distinctive black and white striped pattern on its body and legs, resembling a tiger’s stripes.
- Small size, about 2 to 10 millimeters long.
- Aggressive daytime biter, unlike many other mosquitoes active at dawn or dusk.
However, it's important to note that the Asian Tiger Mosquito can also have features that contradict this description, such as dark brown coloration with brown-white striped legs, dark spots on the wings, and a body length over one centimeter.
Residents are encouraged to cooperate with the local health authorities in this effort to control the spread of the Asian Tiger Mosquito in Dresden.
The city's initiative to control the Asian Tiger Mosquito also extends to the realm of science, as data collected from the BG-GAT traps will contribute to understanding the mosquito's population density.
Moreover, health-and-wellness awareness is being promoted amidst this situation, as residents are urged to eliminate standing water sources and use larvicide BTI for prevention, safeguarding their own health from potential mosquito-borne diseases.
