The tiger mosquito has now become established in Linz as well. The geographical spread of the tiger mosquito has increased significantly in these three cities over the past few years.
As part of the ‘OH SURVector’ project, a standardised nationwide monitoring programme was carried out in 2025 to monitor the West Nile virus and other pathogens in mosquitoes. Traps were set up twice a month from May to October at 68 locations across Austria. The captured mosquitoes were tested for the presence of West Nile virus. No West Nile virus or other pathogens were detected.
Last year, an unusually low number of mosquitoes was observed throughout Austria. As the results of the Ovitrap monitoring show, this also applies to the Japanese bush mosquito – but not to the Asian tiger mosquito. The latter is particularly well adapted to urban habitats. Due to its preference for small artificial water bodies as breeding sites, it is significantly less affected by dry weather conditions than other mosquito species.
Tip
Clean flower pot saucers, watering cans, etc. thoroughly before putting them back in the garden or on the balcony: tiger mosquito eggs may have stuck to them and survived the winter.
