The Tiger mosquito An insect native to Asia that has gradually settled in Europe. Its rapid expansion has raised concerns among health officials, as it carries diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika. Faced with this growing threat, how can we effectively protect ourselves? Here are some solutions and actions to eliminate larval breeding sites and control the spread of tiger mosquito.
Identify larval breeding sites and remove them
The Larval breeding sites They are places where the female lays eggs. They need standing water to grow. The first step to getting rid of tiger mosquitoes is to identify these places and eliminate them.
- Regularly monitor your exterior and check every nook and cranny that may contain standing water.
- In your garden, empty the water frequently or fill it with containers, plates, watering cans and buckets under flower pots.
- For private swimming pools, be sure to maintain clean, chlorinated water. Cover them with a tarp when not in use.
Prevent the formation of larval breeding sites
There are also several methods to prevent the formation of breeding sites.
- Maintain good water circulation by regularly cleaning gutters and downspouts.
- Arrange your green spaces to avoid areas where water can stagnate. For example, you can create slopes or use sand to facilitate drainage.
- Remember to cover all water tanks with curtains or netting, such as rainwater collectors.
Effective mosquito repellent solutions
Various products and devices can be used to repel or eliminate tiger mosquitoes. Here are some examples:
- Pesticides: These are sprays or lotions that are applied directly to the skin. They usually contain repellents such as DEET, IR3535 or picaridin. Remember to read labels carefully and follow usage recommendations.
- Mosquito Lamp: They attract insects using UV light, then electrocute them on contact with live grids. Place them outside (garden, terrace) and plug them in when you want to enjoy these spaces without being bothered by mosquitoes.
- Essential Oil Diffuser: Certain natural compounds have repellent properties against mosquitoes, such as lemon eucalyptus, lavender, geranium or even lemongrass. In an electric diffuser, you can mix a few drops of this oil with water to create an olfactory environment that is unpleasant for tiger mosquitoes.
How does soap influence mosquito behavior?
Biological action and control of tiger mosquito population
In addition to repellents and eradication solutions, certain methods may be useful in controlling adult tiger mosquito populations:
- Biological Larvicides: Bacteria such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) are used to infect mosquito larvae and thus limit their development. It is possible to inject this type of product into stagnant water points to prevent the spread of tiger mosquitoes.
- Egg Traps: Certain traps called “ovitraps” attract females to deposit their eggs on a support which is then removed and destroyed.
- Hunters setup: Certain species of animals, especially birds and fish, are good helpers in reducing the number of tiger mosquitoes in your environment. Install nests to contain insectivorous birds or introduce larval-eating fish to your pond.
Take appropriate actions to avoid being bitten
In addition to removing larval breeding sites and using repellent products, some preventive actions can be taken to avoid tiger mosquito bites as much as possible:
- Maintain Physical Barriers: Install mosquito nets on the windows and doors of your home. Be sure to close your clothing (long sleeves, pants) when going outside the house, especially when going near wet areas.
- Limit risky outings: Tiger mosquitoes are particularly active during the warm hours of the day and at dawn and dusk. Adapting your activities around these prime times can help reduce your risk of getting bitten.
- Avoid attractive body odors: Tiger mosquitoes are attracted to certain body odors. If possible, avoid excessive sweating by limiting your physical exertion, for example.
A global strategy based on elimination of larval breeding sites, use of anti-mosquito solutions as well as adoption of preventive measures to prevent bites needs to be implemented to effectively combat the tiger mosquito and limit the infestation. Do not hesitate to consult tutorials or contact professionals to get personalized advice based on your situation.