Tiger mosquitoes: this new, innovative technique to combat them

A town that wants to say "no" to the tiger mosquito. In Brive-la-Gaillarde, in Corrèze, the lives of residents have been punctuated for several years by the proliferation of tiger mosquitoes. The result is radical, all daily outdoor activities are almost impossible : "It's simple, for three years, it has been impossible to eat on our terrace" a resident told Le Parisien . An invasion that is becoming a real social problem there. The town has agreed to implement a process that could eventually become widespread across France.

Millions of sterile mosquitoes scattered across the city

In an attempt to reduce the tiger mosquito population, Brive-la-Gaillarde is testing a new technique. It involves mass-introducing male mosquitoes rendered sterile by X-rays . These male mosquitoes mate with the females without producing offspring, which naturally causes the population to fall . Already tested in Réunion in 2021, "the fertility of (mosquito) eggs had decreased by 60% in one year in the affected area," the article also states. To achieve this, the municipality called on a company called Terratis, based in Montpellier.

A very expensive method, which seems to be proving its worth

Unlike traditional solutions based on chemicals or larvicides, the method chosen by the city relies on a "biological and sustainable" approach. The goal is to reduce the mosquito population without harming the ecosystem . While the initiative is attractive for its ecological aspect, it represents a significant investment for the municipality: approximately 1,000 euros per hectare, or a total budget of 52,000 euros to cover the affected areas. If the results are positive, the city could expand the system to other neighborhoods also plagued by tiger mosquitoes. This experiment could serve as a model for other communities looking for effective solutions to the proliferation of the tiger mosquito.

How to prevent the proliferation of the tiger mosquito?

To prevent the proliferation of tiger mosquitoes in your home, the ARS (Regional Health Agency) recommends removing all containers that can hold water, because "the tiger mosquito lays its eggs in containers that can hold water." Furthermore, the organization explains that it is important to "regularly empty bowls, flower pots, buckets and bowls after each rain" and to cover rainwater collectors. In addition, gutters and drainage systems must be cleaned to prevent the accumulation of debris .

The ARS also advises "putting fish in your ponds and pools," as they eat mosquito larvae. Finally, it is important to maintain your garden by clearing brush and thus limiting humidity . These actions, to be carried out weekly, especially between April and November, are essential to limit the proliferation of the tiger mosquito. Discover other tips for keeping mosquitoes away .

The rare departments where the tiger mosquito is absent

According to Santé Publique France, as of May 16, 2025, 84% of French departments are affected by the presence of the tiger mosquito. The few departments so far spared this year by the tiger mosquito are : Finistère (29), Côtes-d'Armor (22), Manche (50), Calvados (14), Orne (61), Eure (27), Eure-et-Loir (28), Creuse (23), Aube (10), Ardennes (08), Meuse (55), Vosges (88), Somme (80), Nord (59) and Pas-de-Calais (62). These departments are located mainly in the north and northwest of France. (See map below)