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What to Do About the Tiger Mosquito?
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Yikes! The tiger mosquito is being spotted more frequently. This exotic mosquito can transmit various diseases, so it’s better to steer clear of this insect. So we’re going to explain what to do about the tiger mosquito and how to best protect yourself against it. Let’s dive in together!
What you need to retain from this article
- The tiger mosquito is spreading across the world, including the US, the UK and parts of Oceania.
- There are 4 ways to identify a tiger mosquito.
- Alert the authorities immediately if you spot it.
- If you are bitten and develop symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
What is a tiger mosquito?
The tiger mosquito originally hails from Southeast Asia but is increasingly being seen in other parts of the world. This is because the larvae or eggs of the mosquito are spread during the import of goods, such as used tires. If a tiger mosquito is infected, it can carry pathogens like chikungunya or dengue. And that’s precisely what many people are afraid of.
Appearance of a tiger mosquito
But how do you recognise the tiger mosquito? Let’s start with the fact that the tiger mosquito is difficult to distinguish from the other mosquitoes we know.
This is partly because there are over 200 species of mosquito in US alone. Nevertheless, there are a number of external characteristics that allow you to be sure that you are dealing with a tiger mosquito.
- First of all, you can recognise a mosquito by its size. Its body is always less than 2 cm long and its wings are not spotted.
- What’s more, the mosquito’s antenna is longer than its head. Odd, isn’t it? The most striking feature of the tiger mosquito is its white detailing.
- The legs, for example, are striped in black and white and the tips of the hind legs are white.
- A white stripe also runs down the back and you can even see white details near the stinging snout.
Tips to Avoid Tiger Mosquitoes
Are you traveling soon to an area where the tiger mosquito is common, or do you just want to be well-prepared against these insects? Then we have some tips for you.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
If you’re going to a place where there are many tiger mosquitoes, protecting yourself is naturally an added challenge. A simple solution is to wear long clothing! The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) recommends wearing clothes with long sleeves and pants, especially during the day.
Use Mosquito Repellents
Of course, long clothing isn’t always practical. Perhaps you’re on vacation and in temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. Then mosquito repellents are the solution for you! Products containing DEET provide good protection against the tiger mosquito. Spray or rub these products on your skin, and you won’t have to worry anymore.
Sleep Under a Mosquito Net
If you’d rather not use mosquito repellents or are simply allergic, your best option is to buy a mosquito net. This is especially helpful in your bedroom. With a mosquito net, you’re protected against the exotic mosquito all night, so you can truly enjoy a good night’s sleep.
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Bitten by a Tiger Mosquito: What Now?
Did you read our tips too late and get bitten by a tiger mosquito anyway? Then you might experience various symptoms.
- The bite of a tiger mosquito is often painful. Your skin becomes red and thick.
- You may also suddenly develop a fever and severe headache.
- Nausea, cough and sore throat are also common.
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?
If so, we always advise you to contact your doctor immediately. It’s worth remembering that not everyone falls ill after being bitten by a tiger mosquito. Not all mosquitoes can infect a person with a virus.
What’s more, it has been found that only the female tiger mosquito can bite humans. Fortunately, the risk of being bitten by a tiger mosquito is therefore slightly lower! We hope to have clarified what to do about the tiger mosquito.
A visual explanation about the tiger mosquito
The tiger mosquito in the US
The tiger mosquito has become increasingly prevalent in the United States. This invasive species was first detected in the U.S. in the mid-1980s.
The Asian tiger mosquito is a traveler, but a lazy one – so it hitchhikes. In some cases, this mosquito was introduced in shipments of ornamental bamboo (“Lucky Bamboo”) from South China. See where the presence of the tiger mosquito is mostly concentrated in the US:
