Asian tiger mosquito
Aedes albopictus
Description
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is an invasive species now firmly established in Ticino. Around 5 mm long, it is black with distinctive white bands on its body and legs, and is an aggressive biter active mainly during the day.
It breeds in tiny collections of stagnant water — plant saucers, drains, gutters and containers — even just a few centimetres deep. In addition to being a major nuisance, it can transmit some diseases, making larval breeding-site control essential.
Key characteristics
~5 mm
Black with white bands on body and legs
Aggressive biter, active by day
Small collections of stagnant water
Invasive species, established in Ticino
Risks and spread
The Asian tiger mosquito causes considerable nuisance through daytime bites and can transmit some diseases: controlling breeding sites is the most effective measure.
- Stings — Troublesome, repeated bites, including during the day and outdoors.
- Health risk — Can act as a vector for some mosquito-borne diseases.
- Rapid spread — A few cm of stagnant water are enough for new breeding sites.
Prevention
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1
Remove standing water (plant saucers, buckets, containers)
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2
Regularly empty and clean gutters and water collectors
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3
Treat drains and catch basins with suitable larvicides
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4
Cover water storage and use insect screens
Our intervention
TIsistemo tackles the Asian tiger mosquito by reducing larval breeding sites and applying targeted treatments, the most effective approach against this species.
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Site inspection Identifying larval breeding sites (standing water, drains, containers).
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Reducing breeding sites Removing standing water and providing water management advice.
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Larvicide treatment Treating drains and catch basins; targeted adulticide treatment where necessary.
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Monitoring Regular checks, especially during the warm season.
Same category
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