The tiger mosquito is on the rise in Belgium: what do you need to know?
Published
The tiger mosquito is appearing more and more frequently in our region. Although this mosquito originally comes from tropical areas, it has found its way to Europe and, in the meantime, to Belgium as well. Experts warn that, due to the changing climate, these insects are becoming increasingly better at adapting to our environment.
A tiger mosquito is not just an ordinary mosquito. It is more aggressive and bites more often, including during the day. Furthermore, the tiger mosquito can transmit dangerous tropical infectious diseases, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Although the risk of an outbreak in Belgium is currently still small, it is important to be alert to the presence of this mosquito.
You can recognize the tiger mosquito by its black color with striking white stripes on its body and legs. It is also smaller than the mosquitoes we are used to in Belgium. The mosquito likes to lay its eggs in standing water, such as in flower pots, rain barrels, or clogged gutters. It is therefore advisable to regularly check such places in the garden and keep them dry.
Do you think you have seen a tiger mosquito? Take a clear photo and report it via the official platform 'muggensurveillance.be'. This allows scientists to accurately map the spread of the mosquito in our country. By remaining alert together, we can limit the nuisance and potential health risks in the future.
Sources: HLN
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