Help Stop the Eggs of Tiger Mosquitos from Surviving Winter
The Asian tiger mosquito (Asiatische Tigermücke) was first detected in the Basel region in 2015. The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute has been monitoring the spread of this mosquito closely, as it is not only a nuisance, but can also transmit diseases. Despite numerous measures and broad-based information campaigns on how to stop the spread of these parasites, the tiger mosquito has taken over the entire canton of Basel-Stadt, as well as parts of Baselland, with Allschwil, Birsfelden, and Münchenstein being particularly affected.
In contrast to the “normal” mosquitos, the tiger mosquitos are active during the day and rather aggressive. You, like many other residents, may have noticed being severely bothered by mosquitos this past summer. The warm, humid weather conditions in the summer of 2024 are being cited as reasons for the increased spread.
The authorities are once again calling on the population to help combat the plague. This fight actually begins in winter, because the mosquitos can survive the drought and the increasingly milder winters. To prevent the mosquito larvae from hatching in the spring, the eggs, which are barely visible to the naked eye, must be removed in winter. To do this, you are advised to empty all outdoor containers with standing water and clean them thoroughly with a brush. This also applies to pot saucers, rain barrels, and even flower vases in the cemetery. Gardens and balconies should also be tidied up and material that is no longer needed should be removed or disposed of. Unfortunately, it seems that the tiger mosquito may be here to stay, making the measures to fight them a new “permanent task.” The population is therefore encouraged to support and implement the measures for a more pleasant and safer summer ahead.
You can find more information on the tiger mosquito on the cantonal laboratory’s website at www.kantonslabor.bs.ch/tigermuecke and https://www.bs.ch/themen/umwelt-und-bauen/tiere-und-pflanzen/invasive-tiere-und-pflanzen/tigermuecke.
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