How to prevent the spread of tiger mosquitoes in France
The disease-carrying tiger mosquito is on the rise in France - here's the official French government advice on keeping the pesky insects at bay.
Public authorities in France are warning of an increased presence of tiger mosquitoes in France.
As of January 2024, the insect - which is known for its ability to carry diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus - had been detected in 78 of France's 96 mainland départements.
READ MORE: MAP: Tiger mosquitoes reach northern France
Originally found in tropical forests in southeast Asia, the tiger mosquito now thrives in urban environments and it is extremely difficult to get rid of once it has begun inhabiting a place.
Experts have previously said they think that France will be fully colonised by 2030.
Although rare, there have been several recorded cases of dengue, chikungunya and Zika being spread by mosquitoes in France. These diseases can be fatal, although deaths are rare in countries that have good healthcare systems.
How to stop the spread
Female tiger mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, and they can lay several hundred eggs at once. Therefore try to avoid having any still water outside your home and be aware of the items that might collect rainwater.
This includes regularly emptying vases, flower pots, as well as watering cans and pots. If you want to collect rainwater, you could cover water butts with mosquito nets or fabric to keep the mosquitoes from getting inside.
READ ALSO 5 plants that (allegedly) repel mosquitoes
You can also keep your gutters clean - this helps to keep the water flowing when it rains, and it avoids any stagnant pools from building up.
To protect yourself, try to wear long, loose and light-coloured clothing, in addition to insect repellent. You might also consider wearing a mosquito net head gear.
How can I tell if I've been bitten by a tiger mosquito?
You'll start feeling itchy very quickly - usually within a few minutes of the bite. Unfortunately, the red, pimply mark will probably look just like a regular mosquito bite.
The main difference would be getting a bite during the day, and the fact that tiger mosquitoes are likely to bite several times. You can tell for sure if it was a tiger mosquito by seeing the insect itself.
There is no immediate cause for alarm if you are bitten, in almost all cases the bites are just itchy and annoying. In very rare cases, tropical diseases can be spread by the mosquitoes - seek medical help if you develop a high fever and rash.
What do tiger mosquitoes look like?
They are very small, about 5 mm, and they have a highly contrasting colour, with black and white stripes on their body and legs.
Credit: Agence regionale santé normandie
If you believe you have spotted a tiger mosquito, you can report it to public health authorities online.
Tiger mosquitoes are also different from other types - they are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and may bite in the early evening or morning. They are also silent.
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Public authorities in France are warning of an increased presence of tiger mosquitoes in France.
As of January 2024, the insect - which is known for its ability to carry diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus - had been detected in 78 of France's 96 mainland départements.
READ MORE: MAP: Tiger mosquitoes reach northern France
Originally found in tropical forests in southeast Asia, the tiger mosquito now thrives in urban environments and it is extremely difficult to get rid of once it has begun inhabiting a place.
Experts have previously said they think that France will be fully colonised by 2030.
Although rare, there have been several recorded cases of dengue, chikungunya and Zika being spread by mosquitoes in France. These diseases can be fatal, although deaths are rare in countries that have good healthcare systems.
How to stop the spread
Female tiger mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, and they can lay several hundred eggs at once. Therefore try to avoid having any still water outside your home and be aware of the items that might collect rainwater.
This includes regularly emptying vases, flower pots, as well as watering cans and pots. If you want to collect rainwater, you could cover water butts with mosquito nets or fabric to keep the mosquitoes from getting inside.
READ ALSO 5 plants that (allegedly) repel mosquitoes
You can also keep your gutters clean - this helps to keep the water flowing when it rains, and it avoids any stagnant pools from building up.
To protect yourself, try to wear long, loose and light-coloured clothing, in addition to insect repellent. You might also consider wearing a mosquito net head gear.
How can I tell if I've been bitten by a tiger mosquito?
You'll start feeling itchy very quickly - usually within a few minutes of the bite. Unfortunately, the red, pimply mark will probably look just like a regular mosquito bite.
The main difference would be getting a bite during the day, and the fact that tiger mosquitoes are likely to bite several times. You can tell for sure if it was a tiger mosquito by seeing the insect itself.
There is no immediate cause for alarm if you are bitten, in almost all cases the bites are just itchy and annoying. In very rare cases, tropical diseases can be spread by the mosquitoes - seek medical help if you develop a high fever and rash.
What do tiger mosquitoes look like?
They are very small, about 5 mm, and they have a highly contrasting colour, with black and white stripes on their body and legs.
If you believe you have spotted a tiger mosquito, you can report it to public health authorities online.
Tiger mosquitoes are also different from other types - they are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and may bite in the early evening or morning. They are also silent.
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