The Flemish regional authorities are stepping up measures to combat the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito. The Asian tiger mosquito can carry tropical diseases such as dengue. As a result of climate change the species is being seen evermore frequently here in Belgium.
During the past 4 years the Flemish Nature and Woodland Agency and the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp have been cooperating in the monitoring of the spread of the tiger mosquitos in our region.
Meanwhile, a few years ago the Belgian public health science institute Sciensano set up a platform where members of the public can report sightings. In 2024 Sciensano registered 47 reports of sightings. These were spread across 21 municipalities all over Belgium. In 2022 just 12 sightings were reported.
Permanently established at 5 locations
Since 2022, Asian tiger mosquitos have been found in 21 Flemish municipalities. Given that species mainly spread by hitching a ride on passenger and freight vehicles, most reports came from municipalities that are situated along motorways.
Sciensano says that this year inspections confirmed that the mosquito had overwintered in the Walloon town of Aat, Kessel-Lo in Flemish Brabant and Puurs-Sint-Amands in Antwerp Province. Along with Wilrijk (Antwerp) and Lebbeke (East Flanders), where overwintering was observed in 2023, the total number of places in Belgium with a permanently established tiger mosquito population currently stands at 5.
Brussels-Antwerp-Ghent triangle
The Asian tiger mosquito population is currently mostly concentrated in the area between Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent.
Dominique Debie of the pest control company Rentokil that is responsible for controlling the Asian tiger mosquito population in Flanders says that "Therefore we need to do all we can to prevent further spread”
“The chance of the mosquito disappearing from our region altogether is small, but the longer we can delay its permanent establishment, the better.”
Checks and awareness campaign
Checks on areas of stagnant water are essential, since stagnant water provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
In May, the Flemish regional authorities launched an awareness campaign. Information has been provided on control and precautionary measures, and health risks that the presence of Asian Tiger Mosquitos poses. The public has also been urged to remove breeding sites.