No further spread of the tiger mosquito in Dresden

The Asian tiger mosquito has not spread any further for the time being after being found in Dresden's Neustadt district. The insect with the high-contrast black and white pattern was not detected in the traps in the wider area around the site where it was found, according to the state capital. The occurrence is therefore currently still locally limited.

However, the experts found animals during inspections of the tiger mosquito traps in the Outer New Town. There were also sightings and findings outside the traps. Fortunately, there has not been a sharp increase, they said. In addition to the recent relatively low temperatures, this is also due to the increased awareness of residents and the removal of potential breeding sites in the surrounding area.

Remove water accumulations and report findings

The health department continues to ask Dresdeners for their cooperation. Accumulations of water that remain standing for at least seven days, such as watering cans or plant coasters, blocked gutters and rain barrels, but also children's toys or garbage should be removed. The State Institute for Health and Veterinary Investigation (LUA) will accept reports of suspected tiger mosquitoes by email with a photo and details of where they were found.

The tiger mosquito has recently been appearing repeatedly in the Outer New Town. Traps were therefore set up in mid-August. The aim is to record the extent of the population and "hotspots".

Tiger mosquitoes have a high-contrast black and white pattern

The Asian tiger mosquito can be recognized by a number of characteristic features. These include a clear, high-contrast black and white pattern. This is why the insects are also known as "flying zebras". They have white longitudinal stripes on their head and back. There are also white stripes on the hind legs and the last leg is completely white. The animals have transparent wings and grow to a size of three to eight millimetres, according to reports.

The Asian tiger mosquito, which also bites during the day, was first detected in Dresden last year. It was originally native to the Asia-Pacific region and is spreading worldwide. The insects can transmit pathogens such as the dengue, Zika and chikungunya viruses, as well as the West Nile virus.