6 tips for fighting the tiger mosquito

The epidemics spread by the tiger mosquito , which have been wreaking havoc and even causing too many deaths since the beginning of the year in Réunion, are likely to spread to mainland France in the long term, given its growing presence throughout the country. The story is well known: this harmful and dangerous insect first appeared in our region in the Alpes-Maritimes, mistakenly imported from Southeast Asia via air freight. According to data from Public Health France dating from last month, with the exception of the regions of Normandy, Hauts-de-France, part of the Grand Est and the department... of Creuse, it is found in 81 others where it has acclimatized.

Increased vigilance requested by the Ministry of Health

Indeed, since May ^1, 2025, 950 cases of chikungunya and 1,275 cases of dengue fever "imported" from overseas have been recorded in France, warns the Directorate General of Health (DGS), which reports to the ministry. For the time being, no "native" cases have been reported: in other words, no French person in mainland France has been directly infected by the tiger mosquito (which can also transmit the terrible Zika virus). Increased vigilance has therefore been requested from health authorities via a DGS-Urgent alert.

A health problem that we all must fight against

Despite effective but local initiatives to try to eradicate the tiger mosquito , the State cannot do it alone. Already, in French Guiana, law enforcement can fine (or raise awareness) citizens who encourage the development of larvae in their gardens through inaction (see below), following a simple glance over the fence. In this overseas department, as in the Antilles, recommendations are made to residents each rainy season to avoid the proliferation of mosquitoes . To fight against dengue fever. In 2018, the city of Toulouse had already caused a sensation by threatening its citizens with fines of up to 450 euros in the event of non-compliance with the instructions .

More recently, still in France, "Tiger Brigades", municipal ( Périgueux in Dordogne , Illkirch-Graffenstaden in Bas-Rhin , Millau in Aveyron , etc.), or citizen ( Pessac , Bègles or Bordeaux in Gironde, Rangueil and Castanet in Haute-Garonne, etc.) have been created: with the mission of raising awareness about the fight against the tiger mosquito, providing information on ways to limit its spread, setting traps, etc. Because every citizen who notices its presence in their garden can take action.

In our slideshow below, find 6 tips for telling the tiger mosquito it's not welcome! They don't come from just anyone, but from Frédéric Simard, an entomologist specializing in the tiger mosquito at the French Institute for Research and Development (IRD), interviewed by France Info.