In 2024, the Ministry of Health and Solidarity listed Sarthe as a department colonized by the tiger mosquito. Here are some tips to prevent its proliferation.
The Sarthe department is one of the 7 new departments in metropolitan France colonized by the tiger mosquito in 2024, according to the Ministry of Health and Solidarity.
We take stock of the good reflexes to have in order to limit the proliferation of this insect which can carry diseases linked to viruses such as dengue, chikungunya or zika.
A recent establishment in Sarthe
In the Pays de la Loire region, the first detection of the presence of the tiger mosquito dates back to 2015 in Vendée. Currently, 32 Loire municipalities are listed as being colonized according to the ARS of Pays de la Loire. A third of them are located in Vendée.
In Sarthe, the detection of the tiger mosquito is much more recent since its presence was noted in 2022 . Le Mans was the first city considered to be colonized in the department since September 2023, according to the ARS.
In April 2024, the Ministry of Health and Solidarity added 7 departments of metropolitan France, including Sarthe, to the list of departments colonized by the tiger mosquito .
What are the actions to adopt?
If you recognize a tiger mosquito, particularly in communities that are not normally colonized, it is possible to make a report via this site. The objective being to enable the monitoring of the spread.
“The most effective means of prevention against the proliferation of mosquitoes is based on the destruction of larval breeding sites, that is to say laying places ,” indicates the ARS of Pays de la Loire.
The proliferation of the tiger mosquito is favored by the presence of stagnant water and a minimum temperature so that the eggs can hatch.
To avoid this, it is recommended to remove from the garden or terrace everything that can serve as a container, to cover all water reserves, to empty saucers, buckets and vases once a week or to fill with water. sand the saucers of the flower pots.
Other important actions: check that rainwater drains properly (e.g. gutters) and maintain the garden (clearing, pruning, picking up fallen fruit) to reduce sources of humidity .
Also Read: Tiger mosquito invasion: dermatologist Émilie reveals how to protect yourself effectively
How to protect yourself from bites?
To limit the possibility of being bitten, it is advisable to wear long, loose, light-colored clothing and to use mosquito repellent products.
The ideal is also to install mosquito nets at the openings or to use fans (the tiger mosquito does not like the wind).
