The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was introduced for the first time in Vienna in 2020 into the south-eastern green belt along the main traffic routes. The tiger mosquitoes overwintered there and occasionally spread further into adjacent residential areas and garden settlements. The tiger mosquito has also been sighted at inner-city long-distance bus stops in recent years.

The tiger mosquito is on its way to the city: on the one hand, travel and long-distance traffic favor the constant introduction of new ones. On the other hand, established tiger mosquitoes are adapting better and better to the weather conditions, including milder winters. The spread of the tiger mosquito should be prevented, as it also bites during the day and can also transmit diseases when it bites. The most effective and safest countermeasure is consistent avoidance of water accumulation in the home and garden and self-protection from stings with suitable clothing and insect repellents (repellents).

Why stop the spread of the tiger mosquito? 

The diurnal tiger mosquito can become very annoying and also transmit pathogens such as the West Nile Virus. Therefore, we all have to stop their permanent establishment and strong reproduction early on by consistently avoiding breeding grounds in our homes and gardens. The larger the tiger mosquito population, the more difficult it is to contain it.

Tiger mosquito eggs only need small amounts of moisture to survive: when gardening, on terraces or balconies, remember to drain breeding sites (possibly with eggs) and not to create new breeding sites. Vessels, containers such as trivets, bird baths should be emptied and wiped dry if possible. When storing, remember to turn containers, garden furniture, wheelbarrows or the like upside down. Do not bring content into the channel, but empty it on the meadow.