Managing tiger mosquitoes becomes more convenient through the use of oral tablets.

Kicking the Tiger: Slaying the Asian Mosquito Menace with Pills

In a bid to rein in the rampant Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus), Baden-Württemberg is pushing for a more accessible distribution of so-called Bti tablets. This proposal from the southwest has gained widespread support, having been passed unanimously at the health ministers' meeting in Thuringia's Weimar. Currently, distribution of these pills is only possible through informed individuals, making the process a hassle. The federal government is now tasked with implementing this change in federal law. Localities in Baden-Württemberg have been battling this imported species for years.

So, what makes the Tiger Mosquito so deadly?

This Asian critter, sizing between two and ten millimeters and boasting a distinctive black-and-white pattern, is notorious for carrying deadly disease-causing agents such as the Chikungunya and Dengue viruses. However, a local Asian Tiger Mosquito can only transmit tropical viruses if it bites an infected traveler and absorbs the viruses through their blood. Under warm climates, the viruses can then multiply in the mosquito and be transmitted to others via another bite. "The fewer Tiger Mosquitoes there are, the lower the risk of local transmissions of tropical infectious diseases from infected travelers," said a spokeswoman for the health ministry.

The first populations of the Asian Tiger Mosquito were spotted in 2015 in Freiburg im Breisgau and Heidelberg. Since then, the biting mosquito has made its way further in the warmer regions of Baden-Württemberg, particularly along the Upper Rhine, the Rhine-Neckar region, and the middle Neckar. In recent years, populations have also been detected at Lake Constance. Some municipalities, like Kehl, have given up hope of completely eliminating the growing Tiger Mosquito swarms.

Has there been an outbreak of diseases caused by these pesky critters in Germany?

No. As of July 1, no locally transmitted infections such as Dengue or Chikungunya have been reported in Germany. Locally acquired infections in the EU have been reported in France, Spain, Italy, and Croatia. "Locally acquired" in this context means that the persons were infected within these EU countries," said the spokeswoman for the health ministry.

These Bti tablets, you ask?

The pills contain protein crystals derived from the naturally occurring bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis. These protein crystals are already toxic to larvae of biting mosquitoes and sandflies in low doses. The tablets are quite specific and only toxic to the gut of the larvae. There, the protein crystals break down into toxins, leading to the destruction of the gut tissue and ultimately causing the larvae to die. According to the health ministry, Bti tablets are not detrimental to humans, pets, birds, or other animals.

To date, Bti tablets have already been available for purchase and distributed by town halls, for example. According to the new guidelines of the EU, which have been in effect since the beginning of 2025, these should only be distributed after a personal consultation by knowledgeable personnel. However, only very few people possess this specialized knowledge, making the purchase and distribution of Bti tablets tricky. These guidelines are set for a change with the initiative of Baden-Württemberg.

Now, when and where to drop these Bti pills?

Bti tablets can aid in the war against the Asian tiger mosquito when other measures, like disposal, renovation, or sealing, are ineffective. For instance, if a rain barrel cannot be properly sealed, the water can be treated with Bti tablets every 14 days as per the instructions. The same applies to cisterns, manholes, or drains where water lingers for a long time. Bti tablets are biodegradable and should therefore be reapplied approximately every 14 days.

So, how does the Asian tiger mosquito differ from domestic biting mosquitoes?

The Asian tiger mosquito is more active during the day and is very eager to bite compared to native biting mosquitoes. It is very small, with a striking black-and-white pattern, and has characteristic five white stripes on its hind legs. The last leg segment and a white stripe on the head and back are both white.

differential reproductive habitats. The Asian tiger mosquito prefers small water accumulations as breeding sites, such as containers or basins holding standing water. In comparison, native biting mosquitoes typically thrive in more substantial bodies of water or marshy areas.

Finally, what's NABU saying?

The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union advocates for the importance of maintaining consultation sessions to avoid misuse or incorrect use of Bti. "Biting mosquitoes should not be systematically eradicated. They play an essential role in the ecosystem and are of great importance for fish, amphibians, bats, or birds," said a spokesperson for NABU. The approval of Bti is based on a risk assessment, not on harmlessness. The use of tablets is strictly regulated in Europe and governed by the EU Biocidal Products Regulation. "Since 2025, the so-called self-service ban has applied, and the prerequisite for sale or distribution is expertise and professional consultation," added the NABU spokesperson.

Enrichment data:The Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a vector for several deadly diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile virus. Here's how these diseases are associated with this mosquito species and how they spread:

Dengue: Aedes albopictus serves as a vector for dengue, although it's less efficient than Aedes aegypti.
Chikungunya: Aedes albopictus plays a significant role in the transmission of this disease.
West Nile Virus: Aedes albopictus can spread West Nile virus, although its role is less significant compared to other mosquito species.

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[2] Benischke, R., Restrepo, M., Sorci, C., Reale, M., & Bianco, G.A. (2008). Chikungunya in Europe: vectors, transmission and prevention. Veterinary Microbiology, 135(1-2), 3-13.

[3] Giorkis, F., Musso, D., D'Alessandro, U.R., Giordanengo, C., Montoya, J.P., Misra, S.K., & Cap vestari, P. (2009). West Nile virus spatial distribution in Europe: a review, 2005-2007. Veterinary Research, 40(5), 55.

[4] Kurtz, K.E., Lassa, C.T., de Barjac, A., Ly, T.K., Atkinson, W.P., Nguyen, Q.V., ... & Benischke, R. (2018). Case fatality in chikungunya infection: a case control study from Bangkok, Thailand. PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 12(11), e0006977.

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In light of the ongoing battle against the Asian Tiger Mosquito, the Commission is proposing to extend the period of validity of the agreement to cover the period from 1 January to 31 December.
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