Summer is here, and with it, the return of pests. Among them, the tiger mosquito stands out for its ability to disrupt our outdoor evenings. But that’s not all: these insects are much more than just a nuisance.
They are considered a real threat to public health. For what ? This is what we will discover together.
The tiger mosquito: a vector of diseases
The tiger mosquito, or Aedes albopictus, is native to Southeast Asia. It was introduced to Europe in the 1990s and quickly spread due to its adaptation to different environments.
What worries specialists is its ability to transmit diseases like dengue fever, THE chikungunya where the Zika. According to’World Health Organization (WHO), these diseases can cause serious symptoms or even death in humans.
How to protect yourself from the tiger mosquito?
The first step to protect yourself from the tiger mosquito is to limit its proliferation. These insects breed in stagnant water. It is therefore essential to regularly empty containers containing water in your garden, such as watering cans or flower pot saucers.
Then it is recommended to use natural repellents. Lemongrass, geranium or lemon eucalyptus essential oils are particularly effective. You can also install mosquito nets on the windows and wear long clothes in the evening.
Natural solutions to fight against the tiger mosquito
There are several natural solutions to fight against the tiger mosquito. Among them, repellent plants such as lemongrass, geranium or basil can be planted in your garden or on your balcony.
In addition, certain insects such as dragonflies or bats are real mosquito predators. Encouraging their presence in your garden can therefore help regulate the mosquito population.
Finally, it is possible to use mosquito traps. These devices attract mosquitoes using bait (usually CO2) and then capture them. There are ecological models that do not use chemicals.
The collective fight against the tiger mosquito
The fight against the tiger mosquito cannot be done only on an individual scale. It requires collective action and awareness raising among all.
Please feel free to share this information with your neighbors and report the presence of tiger mosquitoes to your town hall or to the Regional Health Agency (ARS).
We hope this article has helped you better understand why the tiger mosquito is considered a threat and how you can protect yourself.
Don’t forget to share this article with your loved ones and come back soon for more tips, tricks and information.
