It is at this time that tiger mosquito larvae begin to develop in the southern regions. And this will also be the case throughout France by the beginning of May. How to protect yourself and reduce the risk of invasion? TipsForWomens informs you.
It's only April, but the tiger mosquito season is officially open in France. At least, it is at this moment that their larvae begin to develop, and action must be taken.
The larvae are already developing in our gardens
As entomologist Grégory L'Ambert explains in 20 Minutes, the tiger mosquito needs “an extension of the photoperiod (day length), which is found from the month of April, and a temperature above 15°C, to allow the eggs to hatch.
As soon as the temperature warms up (which is the case in spring), the larvae can develop. It is therefore possible to see the first stem mosquitoes flying from the end of April in the hottest places (the Mediterranean rim, the Rhône valley, the Paris basin and Corsica are the most affected regions according to Public Health France).
But the rest of France is not spared: according to the expert, it is enough to “two to three more weeks” so that this is the case for regions located further north. If we must act, it is now.
What are the tiger mosquito “corners” in your home?
The tiger mosquito absolutely needs water to develop. Its larvae will thus proliferate “largely in rainwater collectors, but also in flower box cups, watering cans, tarpaulins lying around, poorly washed gutters, terraces on pedestals…” also reveals for 20 Minutes Pierre Ouallet, deputy mayor of Bègles (Gironde) in charge of ecological transition.
There is therefore no need to have a swimming pool, pond, or stream nearby to be bothered. A few receptacles are enough to delight females who lay up to 750 eggs in a lifetime. Cemeteries are also the ideal place for mosquitoes because they are full of water points favorable to the laying of larvae.
Hunting mosquito larvae, instructions for use
The first thing to do to avoid the invasion is therefore to find all these small containers (cups, buckets, tires, tarpaulins, outdoor toys, gardening equipment, etc.) and to dispose of the water once a week. also protect access to water collectors and maintain gutters.
Pruning the vegetation, however, is not really indicated. Certainly, thick bushes provide shade and necessary coolness for mosquitoes, but according to specialists, tackling stagnant water points remains much more effective than pruning your greenery.
Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of TipsForWomens, also reminded us in another subject of the essentials to protect yourself when mosquitoes are there:
- Prevent insects from entering indoors, by avoiding open exits, without mosquito nets, and place protection on beds so as not to be bothered at night;
- Use a repellent;
- Wear loose, light-colored outfits in the evening, and cover up the youngest.
As a reminder, the tiger mosquito, now present in all French regions, can carry viruses such as chikungunya, dengue and zika. Certain species are likely to transmit West Nile virus and malaria.
