Vanquishing Asian Tiger Mosquitoes: Baden-Württemberg Proposes Simplified Distribution of Bti Tablets
Easier control of tiger mosquitoes with the use of tablets - Streamlining Tablet Usability: Simplified Access and Navigation
Hear the buzz: Baden-Württemberg's proposal to simplify the distribution of Bti tablets to combat the Asian tiger mosquito has been unanimously approved at a meeting in Weimar. In this fight against the invasive species, the government aims to make it easier for people to control their population.
What's the big deal about the Asian tiger mosquito?
Despite its diminutive size (ranging from 2 to 10 millimeters), the Asian tiger mosquito is a carrier of harmful pathogens, such as the Chikungunya virus and Dengue virus. According to the health ministry, the fewer Tiger Mosquitoes present, the lower the risk of local transmissions of these tropical diseases.
Making its debut in Freiburg im Breisgau and Heidelberg in 2015, the Tiger Mosquito has since found a home in the warmer regions of Baden-Württemberg, including the Upper Rhine, Rhine-Neckar region, middle Neckar, and Lake Constance. Some municipalities have given up on eradicating the pest completely.
Luckily, there have been no locally transmitted outbreaks of diseases such as Dengue or Chikungunya in Germany. However, cases have been reported in France, Spain, Italy, and Croatia.
How do Bti tablets exterminate the Tiger Mosquito?
Bti tablets contain protein crystals derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, which is already toxic to larvae of mosquitoes and midges. The tablets specifically target the larvae's gut, leading to destruction of the tissue and ultimately their death.
Effective since 2025, European guidelines require that these tablets be distributed only after a personal consultation with knowledgeable staff. However, few people have this expertise, making the purchase and distribution of Bti tablets difficult. Baden-Württemberg aims to change this.
How to use Bti tablets effectively?
Use Bti tablets to fight the Asian tiger mosquito when other methods, like disposal, renovation, or sealing, are unsuccessful. For example, treat a rain barrel that can't be sealed with Bti tablets every 14 days according to the instructions. The same applies to cisterns, manholes, or drains with standing water for extended periods. Bti tablets are biodegradable and require reapplication approximately every 14 days.
A Tale of Two Species
The Asian tiger mosquito is more active during the day and is more inclined to bite than native mosquitoes. Its distinctive black-and-white pattern, and characteristic five white stripes on the hind legs, separates it from native species. Unusual for many native mosquitoes, the tiger mosquito prefers small water accumulations as breeding sites and chooses shady tree cavities or even flower vases, buckets, rain barrels, or puddles on tarpaulins or in old tires.
A Word from Nabu
Nature conservation association, Nabu, highlights the importance of maintaining consultation sessions to prevent misuse or incorrect usage of Bti. While they acknowledge that biting mosquitoes should not be systematically eradicated due to their importance in the ecosystem, they emphasize the strictly regulated and controlled use of tablets under the EU Biocide Regulation.
Health Risks and Diseases
- Dengue Fever
- Dengue is characterized by high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and bleeding complications. In extreme cases, it can be severe and even fatal.
- Chikungunya
- Chikungunya symptoms include sudden onset of fever, severe joint pain (especially in the hands and feet), muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Joint pain can persist for weeks, months, or even years in some cases.
- Zika Virus
- Though less common in Germany, the tiger mosquito is also a potential carrier of the Zika virus, which can cause birth defects if a pregnant person is infected.
The Commission is proposing to extend the period of validity of the agreement to cover the period from 1 January to 31 December, focusing on advancements in science and medical-conditions related to health-and-wellness. For instance, the recent success in developing Bti tablets, a biological solution for exterminating the Asian tiger mosquito, has been a significant milestone in this field. The Commission remains committed to ensuring that such discoveries are made readily available to the public for the betterment of global health.
