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Unfortunately, the usually harmless mosquito, which lives in the local latitudes, has had company in recent years. In the meantime, some mosquito species from the tropical regions also feel very comfortable here. Unfortunately, these mosquitoes are not entirely harmless and can transmit a wide variety of diseases. Because they can be infected with various pathogens, which they can then transmit to humans during the stinging process.
mosquito species
Dangerous species of mosquitoes
The different mosquito species also have different areas of life. In the meantime, 50 different proven species live in the local latitudes, including some dangerous specimens. Not all types of mosquito bite. But in the meantime, three other dangerous species of mosquitoes, which originally come from other continents, live in the local latitudes and Europe.
These include above all:
- the yellow fever mosquito or commonly known as the yellow mosquito
- Asian or Japanese bush mosquito
- the tiger mosquito
Swarm of mosquitoes in the evening
origin
The mosquitoes find their way to Germany because their eggs have a long lifespan. If they are placed on imported goods, such as very often on car tires that are imported from Japan, then they go directly to Europe and thus also to the local regions and can then spread here unhindered after hatching.
mosquito on the skin
Experts say that if a mosquito has survived one or two winters here with us, then it stays and becomes at home. It is also known that in the near future there may be more and more diseases that are transmitted via a mosquito bite. According to experts, this will not happen immediately, but only in ten to fifteen years. But by then, research will have progressed to successfully combating these transmitted viruses from the various mosquito species.
mosquito bite on the skin
protection
Contrary to popular belief, light does not attract mosquitoes. Because there are mosquito species that are active at different times. There are those that are active during the day, those that are active at night and those that are active in the twilight. Therefore, it seems that just at dusk, when the light is turned on, the mosquitoes are attracted to it. However, all mosquitoes are active at dusk. In addition to the various mosquito repellents from the trade, there are also other ways of not attracting the mosquitoes in the first place.
- give up sweet perfume
- take a shower before going outside
- this minimizes the smell of sweat
- it is better when the skin is cool
- so take a cold shower
- Mosquitoes are attracted to warm skin
Mosquitoes are attracted to warm skin
mosquito species
Native mosquitoes
If you are bitten by a native mosquito, you will notice this primarily from an extremely itchy area around the bite. The mosquito injects a salivary secretion into the skin during the bite, which is supposed to stop the blood from clotting. However, the body reacts to this by releasing histamine. The result is allergic itching, with redness and swelling. Not everyone has the same reaction to a mosquito bite. For some it is red and swollen and itchy for days, others feel nothing after a few hours. Otherwise, the bites of the native mosquito are not harmful to health.
Native mosquitoes cause severe itching on the skin
Asian tiger mosquito
One of the most dangerous mosquito species is without a doubt the Asian tiger mosquito. It got its name from the thin black stripes that run across its body. This makes it easy to recognize and this conspicuousness sets it apart from other mosquito species. This mosquito species first appeared in southern Europe ten years ago and has since made its home here. In the meantime it has also found its way to northern Europe. The Asian tiger mosquito can transmit various inherent diseases while it bites.
These include:
- the dengue fever
- the chikungunya virus
- yellow fever
- the zika virus
Asian tiger mosquito
These diseases have already been shown to be transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, but in total there are around twenty pathogens from the tropics that this mosquito can transmit. But so far none of the mosquitoes found in Germany have been infected with one of these pathogens.
Countermeasures against Asian tiger mosquito
Especially balcony and garden owners can do something to limit the population of the Asian tiger mosquito. And the measures also help against other mosquito species, such as the domestic mosquitoes, which are not dangerous but nevertheless annoying. Because many, not only dangerous mosquito species lay their eggs in still and shallow waters. Watering cans, rain barrels or bird baths should therefore be emptied and cleaned regularly. Since the eggs can also survive in dry conditions for some time, cleaning them after they have been emptied is very important. The rain barrel can also be sealed well. It should be noted that even the smallest loopholes are used by the tiger mosquitoes. In addition, the following measures should be taken.
- regular checking of drainage systems and gutters
- Drain coasters from plants regularly
- alternatively use vessels made of copper
- this material kills the larvae
- Protect interiors with fly screens
- Tiger mosquito is diurnal
- therefore primarily protect entrances such as balcony or terrace doors
- Set up egg-laying traps
- use frogs or goldfish against larvae in the garden pond
Of course, these measures help against everyone, not just against dangerous mosquito species whose habitat is mainly still, shallow water.
Egyptian tiger mosquito/yellow fever mosquito
The yellow mosquito, Egyptian tiger mosquito or yellow fever mosquito is not to be confused with the Asian tiger mosquito, but transmits the same diseases and viruses. Above all and especially the dangerous yellow fever is increasingly transmitted by this mosquito species. In appearance, the mosquito is similar to its Asian relative, it also has dark stripes, similar to a tiger's skin, that run across the body. However, the Egyptian tiger or yellow fever mosquito has an orange-brown abdomen, which distinguishes it from the Asian tiger mosquito.
Egyptian tiger mosquito/yellow fever mosquito
Asian bush mosquito
In addition, the Asian bush mosquito is spreading more and more. More and more of these specimens, which are to be classified under the category of dangerous mosquito species, have been found in the local latitudes in recent years. This mosquito species was first discovered in 2008 in the south of Germany, but it is also spreading further north. Unfortunately, this species, which is classified as dangerous, copes very well with the local weather conditions, especially in winter, and also survives colder winters. The diseases that this mosquito can transmit should also not be underestimated.
- West Nile virus, yellow fever
- other viruses that can cause encephalitis in humans
The Asian bush mosquito has conspicuous white-silver horizontal stripes and a black-brown body, so it can be easily recognized and also resembles the Asian tiger mosquito.
Asian bush mosquito
sandflies
The small but very mean sandflies have long been known in our latitudes. Not only do they sting because they want our blood, but they also leave behind pathogens. The mosquitoes are only about two millimeters in size and have a beige body. However, the sand flies are already widespread in Germany, but the pathogens are usually transmitted in southern European countries. Since the sand flies often also infest dogs, it cannot be ruled out that the pathogens, especially leishmaniasis, are already being introduced into northern Europe. This happens with dogs that go on vacation with their owners in the south, but also with dogs that have recently been increasingly adopted from southern countries and could already be carrying the pathogen. Other viruses that can be transmitted via sand flies are as follows.
- Phlebotomus or Tuscany fever
- flu-like symptoms
- are the cause of meningitis
sandfly
black flies
Black flies don't bite and suck the blood, they bite to get the blood. The black flies are only a few millimeters in size and are blue-grey to black in color. Basically, the attack of this species of mosquito occurs outdoors during the day. Unlike mosquitoes, they do not enter the home or other closed rooms. They are also not carriers of diseases or viruses. But the bite, which is a small wound, can swell and become infected. In addition, mosquito saliva can do the following.
- has toxins that can enter the bloodstream
- allergic reactions may occur
- the saliva also contains vascular and heart-damaging substances
- can also affect the respiratory center
In order to protect yourself from black flies, meadows and damp areas should not be visited, especially in the morning and late afternoon. These mosquito species are particularly close to grazing animals, which the black fly also likes to visit.
black fly
Bart midges/midges
The midges or bearded midges are close relatives of the black flies. They are also very small at one to three millimeters and spotted on the wings. Midges are one of the nocturnal species of mosquitoes and are usually found near grazing animals and bodies of water, but they also invade closed spaces. They like to bite people directly on the edge of their clothing. The sting can itch and in some cases cause an allergic reaction. However, nothing is known about the transmission of pathogens or viruses in this species.
bearded midge/midge