Controlling the Spread of Dangerous Mosquitoes: Tablets Take Down Asian Tiger Mosquitoes in Baden-Württemberg
Employing tablets for a simpler approach in combating tiger mosquitoes - Simplifying Tablet Accessibility
Say goodbye to those pesky Asian Tiger Mosquitoes! Baden-Württemberg is pushing to make it simplier to distribute so-called Bti-tablets to control the relentless spread of this dangerous insect. This proactive strategy, first proposed in the southwest, has garnered support in a unanimous vote at the meeting of health ministers in Thuringia's Weimar. At the moment, the Bti-tablet distribution can only be facilitated by those knowledgeable in the matter—now, Baden-Württemberg aims to change this in federal law.
What makes the Tiger Mosquito so lethal?
This tiny, menacing creature, no larger than a pinky finger, is known for carrying disease-causing agents, such as the Chikungunya-virus and the Dengue-virus. Don't be fooled by its size, though: it poses a significant threat.
An Asian Tiger Mosquito, on its own, can only transmit tropical viruses if it bites an infected traveler and absorbs the viruses through their blood. At higher temperatures, the viruses can then multiply within the mosquito and be transmitted to others through bites. "The fewer Tiger Mosquitoes there are, the lower the risk of local transmissions of tropical infectious diseases from infected travelers," explained a health ministry spokesperson.
Tracing their roots back to 2015, the first populations of the Asian Tiger Mosquito emerged in Freiburg im Breisgau and Heidelberg. Since then, the insect has infiltrated warmer regions of Baden-Württemberg, particularly along the Upper Rhine, the Rhine-Neckar region, and the middle Neckar. The bloodsucking beast has even managed to establish a presence in Lake Constance. Some municipalities, such as Kehl, have all but given up hopes of completely eliminating this invasive bug.
Have there ever been disease outbreaks in Germany caused by Tiger Mosquitoes?
As of June 11, no locally transmitted infections like Dengue or Chikungunya have been recorded in Germany. While cases have been reported in France, Spain, Italy, and Croatia, local transmissions refer to infections within these countries. The good news is that berlin remains unscathed to this date.
How do Bti-tablets work?
Bti-tablets contain protein crystals derived from the naturally-occuring bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis. These protein crystals are toxic to larvae of biting mosquitoes and sandflies, and only in low doses. These tablets are very specific and harmful only to the gut of the larvae. When ingested, the protein crystals break down into toxins, resulting in the destruction of the gut tissue and eventual death of the larvae. Thankfully, Bti-tablets are not harmful to humans, pets, birds, or other animals, according to the health ministry.
Previously, Bti-tablets have been accessible for purchase and distribution, often by town halls. However, due to EU guidelines in effect since the beginning of 2025, these tablets may only be distributed after a personal consultation with knowledgeable staff. It's just a shame that only a select few have this specialized expertise, making the acquisition and distribution of these tablets an arduous process.
Where and how are Bti tablets applied?
Bti-tablets can be used to combat the Asian tiger mosquito when other measures, like renovation, disposal, or sealing, have been unsuccessful. For example, if a rain barrel cannot be sealed properly, you can treat the water with Bti tablets every 14 days in accordance with the instructions. The same applies to cisterns, manholes, or drains that hold standing water for an extended period. Bti tablets are biodegradable and should be reapplied approximately every 14 days.
How does the Asian tiger mosquito differ from native mosquito species?
The Asian Tiger Mosquito is more active during the daytime, unlike the majority of native mosquitoes, and is much more eager to bite. It possesses a striking black and white pattern and is distinguished by five white stripes along its hind legs. Unlike many native mosquitoes, the Asian Tiger Mosquito prefers small water accumulations as its breeding grounds. The Tiger Mosquito can thrive in a variety of conditions, often choosing shady tree cavities with accumulated water near the ground, but it adapts quickly and utilizes water residues in flower vases, buckets, rain barrels, or puddles on tarps or in old tires as breeding sites.
What does NABU say?
The nature conservation association advises maintaining consultation sessions, stressing the importance of preventing the misuse or improper use of Bti-tablets. In essence, biting mosquitoes should not be systematically wiped out, as they play a significant role in the ecosystem, benefiting fish, amphibians, bats, and birds. The approval of Bti is based on a risk assessment, not harmlessness. The use of tablets is closely regulated in Europe and governed by the EU Biocide Regulation, and access to tablets requires specialized knowledge and professional consultation, even with the proposed changes.
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The spread of this mosquito is a concerns especially in areas like Freiburg im Breisgau and Heidelberg, where it was first detected in 2015. The mosquito poses a significant threat, as it can carry disease-causing agents like the Chikungunya-virus and the Dengue-virus. However, no locally transmitted infections like Dengue or Chikungunya have been recorded in Germany as of June 11.
Bti-tablets, containing protein crystals derived from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, are being proposed as a solution to combat the Asian Tiger Mosquito. These tablets are specific to the larvae of biting mosquitoes and are harmless to humans, pets, birds, and other animals. They can be used to treat standing water in rain barrels, cisterns, manholes, or drains every 14 days.
Despite their effectiveness, the acquisition and distribution of these tablets is currently an arduous process due to EU guidelines, which require a personal consultation with knowledgeable staff. The Commission's proposal aims to change this in federal law, making it simpler to distribute these tablets. This proactive strategy has garnered support, with a unanimous vote at the meeting of health ministers in Thuringia's Weimar.
In conclusion, the spread of the Asian Tiger Mosquito is a serious concern, but with proactive measures like the distribution of Bti-tablets, it can be controlled. This issue serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing various health and environmental issues, from chronic diseases to climate change and autoimmune disorders. It also underscores the need for accessible and easy distribution of effective solutions like Bti-tablets.
