Tips for autumn: Don't let tiger mosquito eggs overwinter in your home

Tiger mosquito eggs can survive the winter. The eggs stick to the edge of various containers in which water has previously collected (flower pot saucers, bird baths, watering cans, etc.). The eggs survive even if the container dries out. To prevent the eggs from overwintering and larvae from hatching in spring, it is therefore particularly important to clean all containers thoroughly in autumn. To do this, the containers should not only be rinsed, but also wiped down and then stored in a dry place.

Avoid breeding sites all year round

• Empty small water containers at least once a week (bird baths, flower saucers, paddling pools, toys, etc.).
• Avoid so-called small watering holes in your garden or on your balcony by removing them, covering them or filling them with sand. Small water points are, for example, umbrella stands, fence tubes or decorative elements.
• Avoid other accumulations of water: Store objects such as watering cans, tyres, empty flower boxes, ashtrays, sand toys etc. underneath a roof or turn the objects around so that no water can collect in them.
• Close rain barrels tightly or cover them with fine-meshed insect screens.
• Avoid blocked gutters and dripping taps.

How can I protect myself from bites in the warmer months?

• Close openings in windows and doors with fine-meshed insect screens.
• Wearing long, light-coloured clothing and applying effective repellents (insect repellents) can protect you from bites. When using repellents, please follow the manufacturer's instructions for correct application.

Further measures to combat larvae in the event of annoyance from tiger mosquitoes

• Artificial water points that cannot be emptied (sewage channels, sewer drains, rain barrels, etc.) can be treated with products available on the Austrian market to control mosquito larvae. When using larvicides, please ensure correct application according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Natural bodies of water, ponds and biotopes should not be treated as they are not used by tiger mosquitoes for breeding. Some native mosquito species, however, like to use ponds or biotopes for breeding. However, if these are kept as natural as possible, the gnat larvae are largely eaten by other animals such as fish or dragonfly larvae.