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NVWA continues fight against tiger mosquito in Sittard

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Inspectors from the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) will be in Sittard in the near future to combat the Asian tiger mosquito.

Last year, most tiger mosquitoes were found in South Limburg, at 2 locations: in Valkenburg and Sittard. The NVWA combated this mosquito species last year and is now carrying out post-treatment.

The Asian tiger mosquito is an invasive exotic species that can contribute to the spread of disease. However, the chance that the tiger mosquitoes that have been found in the Netherlands so far transmit viruses of infectious diseases, such as dengue (dengue fever) and chikungunya, is negligible.

The NVWA has informed residents of the districts concerned, the municipality and the regional GGD about the actions.

Control and monitoring

The NVWA fights the Asian tiger mosquito when it appears in the Netherlands. Control consists of removing or disabling breeding grounds. If breeding grounds cannot be removed, pellets are used, which kill the larvae of mosquitoes. Special traps are also used that lure adult mosquitoes to map the infected area and monitor population development.

Call to citizens

The NVWA calls on the Dutch to help prevent the tiger mosquito from settling in the Netherlands. Citizens can help by removing possible breeding spots in their garden. This can be done by preventing water from remaining in containers, flower pots, saucers, watering cans and all other objects that collect rainwater. It is also good to make rain barrels mosquito-proof and to change water in birdbaths and drinking troughs weekly. In addition, finds of specimens can be reported to the NVWA.

Role of government in combating

The NVWA coordinates the monitoring and control of invasive exotic mosquitoes on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. RIVM advises on the possible consequences of these mosquitoes for public health and the use of pesticides.


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