Berlin, May 23, 2026 – With rising temperatures, an increasing number of mosquitoes are emerging in Germany. The Asian tiger mosquito, known for its aggressive biting habits, is once again active. Residents of Berlin and Brandenburg should be aware of key information regarding this invasive species.
No Sightings Yet This Year, But Activity Expected Soon
According to mosquito expert Doreen Werner from the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), no Asian tiger mosquitoes have been sighted in Brandenburg or Berlin this year so far. “We have not received any tiger mosquitoes from Brandenburg, nor from Berlin, even though we have established populations there. But these mosquitoes will also become active with the rising temperatures,” Werner stated. Historically, the first active mosquitoes in established populations in Germany are observed from the end of May to early June.
Since 2012, Werner has been leading the “Mosquito Atlas” project, which involves examining mosquito samples from across Germany. Citizens who find a mosquito can catch it, freeze it, and send it by post to Werner and her team for identification.
Established Populations in Berlin, None in Brandenburg
In Berlin, isolated specimens of the Asian tiger mosquito have been found since 2017. In 2021, an established population was first confirmed in an allotment garden in Treptow-Köpenick. There have also been detections in Neukölln. Berlin represents the northernmost location in Germany where a population has been identified. In contrast, according to the Brandenburg Ministry of Health, there are no known established populations in Brandenburg.
How to Identify the Asian Tiger Mosquito
The Asian tiger mosquito is relatively small, measuring only about half to one centimeter in length. It is characterized by distinctive black and white stripes across its entire body. However, Werner notes that some native species also have black and white stripes. The Asian tiger mosquito is particularly aggressive and persistent in its biting. Unlike many native mosquitoes, it is also active during the day. This species can transmit pathogens such as dengue and chikungunya viruses. While no cases of disease transmission by a locally resident tiger mosquito have been reported in Germany yet, experts believe it is only a matter of time, especially due to climate change.
Preventative Measures You Can Take
The tiger mosquito prefers to lay its eggs in small accumulations of water. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly empty flowerpot saucers and watering cans, cover rain barrels, and frequently change the water in bird baths and paddling pools. Car tires should be stored in a dry place. The Brandenburg Ministry of Health also advises supporting natural enemies of the Asian tiger mosquito, including dragonflies, frogs, birds, and amphibians.
Other Mosquito Species Already Active
According to Werner, there is already a significant presence of forest and meadow mosquito species in some regions of Germany. Due to the numerous lakes in Brandenburg, “very, very many mosquitoes” of these species are currently active. “These are large, aggressive mosquitoes,” she added. Forest and meadow mosquito species lay their eggs in puddles or ditches in forests, for example.
Source: https://berliner-abendblatt.de/berlin-news/asiatische-tigermuecke-was-es-jetzt-zu-beachten-gibt-id334973
