Report the Asian tiger mosquito to the NVWA
First of all, it is important to know that if you see the Asian tiger mosquito, you must report it to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Their goal is that the tiger mosquito will not settle in the Netherlands. If you suspect you see it, kill it. Then take a picture of the mosquito and contact the NVWA. In this article, we will take you through how to recognize the Asian tiger mosquito, what happens after a report and how it is controlled.
What is an Asian tiger mosquito?
The tiger mosquito, scientifically known as Aedes albopictus, is small in size (about 4 to 5 millimeters), but fortunately easy to recognize by:
- The color of this one is: black with white body and legs
- A white stripe on their back
- Smaller than normal mosquitoes
- Stings also during the day
- The hind legs have a white tip
This mosquito is not only a nuisance during the summer months, but can also be a health risk due to the diseases they can transmit if you get bitten. For this reason, we do not want the Asian tiger mosquito to establish itself in the Netherlands.
So what is not a tiger mosquito?
Various mosquitoes can be found in the Netherlands. The most well-known are the large mosquito (Culiseta annulata) and the house mosquito (Culex Pipiens). In some cases, these are mistaken for a tiger mosquito, but they are not. These mosquitoes differ from the tiger mosquito in that
- The color of these are: brown or beige-like body and legs
- These mosquitoes have spots on their wings
- These mosquitoes are mainly active at dusk and at night
- These mosquitoes are known for their buzzing and biting
It is important to know that if you see the ‘normal’ mosquito and not a tiger mosquito, you do not have to warn the NVWA.
Where should I report it?
If you have killed a mosquito or have spotted it somewhere and you are sure that this is an Asian tiger mosquito, you must report this to the NVWA, click here. On this website you can fill in a form and you will be asked to send photos of the mosquito, so that the people of the NVWA can assess everything. If it really is an Asian tiger mosquito, you will be contacted and the people of the NVWA will visit you to combat it sustainably (not harmful to humans and animals), take precautions and set traps with the chance of catching the Asian tiger mosquito.
What are the breeding grounds of an Asian tiger mosquito?
The female tiger mosquito likes to lay her eggs in places where water remains for a long time. These are often places that we don’t see so often. For example, in old buckets, plant pots, under saucers, in vases, in the gutter of a shed, in rain barrels, and even in discarded cans, bottles, animal drinking troughs, old car tires, or in wells and drains along the street. Large water spots such as ditches, ponds, canals or lakes are not places where the tiger mosquito lays its eggs. She doesn’t like those places. The development from egg to adult tiger mosquito takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
Why is the tiger mosquito in the Netherlands?
This can have several causes. In most cases, the Asian tiger mosquito hitches a ride with people who come from abroad. In addition, the mosquito can hitch a ride on second-hand car tyres or aircraft tyres. It is also possible that the mosquito hitches a ride via Lucky Bamboos in the form of an egg.
What diseases can the Asian tiger mosquito carry?
The tiger mosquito can transmit various diseases and that is why we do not want this mosquito to settle permanently in the Netherlands. Here are the main ones:
- Dengue fever: you may feel a little sick, develop a fever or even have more serious symptoms.
- Chikungunya: this causes a fever and can hurt your joints. Sometimes that pain lasts for a long time.
- Zika: often you don’t notice much of this. But if a woman who is pregnant gets Zika, it can cause problems for the baby.
- West Nile virus: most people don’t feel any of this. But sometimes it can affect your nervous system.
In some places, the chance of getting these diseases is small. But it’s good to know that it can be done.
Precautions you can take yourself against the Asian tiger mosquito.
To protect yourself and your environment from the Asian tiger mosquito, you can follow these simple steps:
- Don’t let water stand still: look around your house or garden. Make sure there is no water left in things like planters, buckets, or old tires.
- Cover water and tidy up: Make sure large water bowls such as rain barrels are closed. Also throw away junk such as empty cans and bottles, as water can remain in them.
- Fresh water: Change the water in bird baths or pet bowls once a week to keep it clean.
- Keep mosquitoes out: place mosquito nets in front of your windows and doors. When you’re sleeping, you can hang a mosquito net over your bed.
- Apply sunscreen: Use a mosquito repellent when you go outside, especially in the morning or evening.
- Cover your skin: Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs when you go outside so mosquitoes can’t bite you.
- Keep your garden tidy: Mow the grass and prune the plants. Mosquitoes love places where they can hide.
- Mosquito traps: Think about using mosquito traps or special lights to catch mosquitoes.
These tips will help you prevent mosquito bites and prevent mosquitoes from feeling at home in your home. It is also best to clean the breeding sites with a brush, so that if there are eggs and water is added, the larvae of the Asian tiger mosquito cannot survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bestrijdingsdienst.nl fight the Asian tiger mosquito?
No, Bestrijdingsdienst.nl does not fight the Asian tiger mosquito, but we do control ‘standard’ mosquitoes . We are not allowed to fight the Asian tiger mosquito because the NVWA itself is conducting research into this in order to keep the population in check.
Is the sting of a tiger mosquito different from that of a normal mosquito?
Yes, the sting of a tiger mosquito can feel different from that of a normal mosquito. While the physical reaction to the sting, such as itching, redness, and swelling, may be similar, people sometimes have more severe reactions to a tiger mosquito’s sting. This is because the tiger mosquito can transfer other substances during the sting, which can cause a more intense or different-feeling reaction. In addition, a tiger mosquito often bites several times in a short period of time, which can result in multiple bumps close together.
What happens if you get bitten by a tiger mosquito?
If you are stung by a tiger mosquito, you often get a red, itchy bump at the site of the sting. The skin around the bump may swell and be tender. In rare cases, if the tiger mosquito carries a disease, you may develop symptoms of that particular disease, such as fever or joint pain.
