Background to the Swiss Mosquito Network for invasive mosquitoes
Given the increasing spread of the tiger mosquito in Switzerland, in 2011 the FOEN created a base concept for the control of this invasive mosquito species and the diseases it can transmit. Version in German, French and Italian. This concept was based on evaluations done previously in Canton Ticino (Controllo, Sorveglianza, Comunicazione).
A master thesis by Dr. Susanne Biebinger in 2013 evaluated the need to build a coordinated system in Switzerland in order to monitor and contain the tiger mosquito.
The Swiss Mosquito Network
The Swiss Mosquito Network (SMN) is a project funded by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) to monitor invasive mosquitoes especially Aedes albopictus (the tiger mosquito). The task of SMN is first of all to collect reports from citizens nationwide on the presence of Ae. albopictus through a dedicated web page (www.mosquitoes-switzerland.ch). This webpage also serves to inform citizens themselves about the characteristics of invasive mosquitoes and the latest public news regarding these mosquitoes. If the presence of the tiger mosquito is reported in a canton, the SMN supports it in initiating surveillance and control activities through the work of regional reference centers.
In parallel, the SMN has an active nationwide surveillance system for entry points, which from 2013 to 2022 focused on Swiss highways, ports, and international airports, while from the 2023 season it will focus on campgrounds, RV rental points, long-distance bus stations, and tourist attractions again as possible entry points.
All national data on invasive mosquitoes are first validated and then sent to InfoFauna, which is the federal center for data collection.
Organization of the SMN
Organization chart of the national network of competence for invasive mosquitoes and the explanations of the organization chart (in German).
Regional reference centers
There are 4 regional reference centers to better cover the territory and each has been assigned cantons for reporting:
- Northwest (Swiss TPH): AG, BE, BL, BS, LU, NW, OW, SO
- Northeast (Stadt Zürich): AI, AR, SG, SH, TG, ZG, ZH
- West (Uni Lausanne): GE, FR, JU, VD, GE, VS
- Southeast (SUPSI): FL, GL, GR, UR, SZ, TI
Annual reports of the SMN
SMN general activities: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
National monitoring activities: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. Summary article on Swiss monitoring, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
Guidelines
Guidelines were created to give the cantons a basis for organizing the invasive mosquito surveillance system. German version, attachments: invasive species, vector competence, surveillance and control.
French version, annexes: invasive species, vector competence, surveillance and control.
Methods of controlling invasive mosquitoes
The most effective most environmentally friendly and least expensive system is to target the juvenile forms of tiger mosquitoes while they are still in the water. With this system, mosquitoes are hit in a circumscribed place, and in case it is necessary to use products, the recommended ones are selective for mosquitoes, so they are environmentally friendly and respectful of human and animal health.
Below is some material that may be useful for citizen involvement in control measures.
General information leaflets
The information brochures highlight the main places of development of the tiger mosquito that need to be managed in private settings to limit its presence:
– Water points, which have the potential to produce tiger mosquitoes, should be removed and dried weekly between April and November
– Water points, which cannot be removed (manholes, etc.), should be treated with recommended products weekly between May and late September
These leaflets can be used anywhere in Switzerland. They contain no special logos except that of the Swiss Mosquito Network. Versions in German, French, Italian and English.
Method of use of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) products.
Mechanical systems
There are commercially available effective mechanical systems that can be applied to manholes, which prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water in these.
Adult traps
Adult traps, if measures to contain aquatic forms are not implemented, risk being ineffective. They can, however, help to lower the amount of adults present. Specific to the tiger mosquito are those from the company Biogents.
Adulticides: NO!
The use of adulticide systems in open spaces, besides being prohibited, is detrimental to both human and other animal health, threatens biodiversity, and encourages the establishment of resistance against them (example of flyer vs. Adulticides to be adapted, IT).
Example of a continuous surveillance system
The Canton of Ticino has been supporting a system of surveillance and control of tiger mosquitoes since 2000. Since 2009, the municipalities affected by the problem and the population itself have been directly involved.
Effectiveness of integrated management of Aedes albopictus
Integrated vector management combines several intervention strategies, such as physical, chemical, and biological control measures, aimed at reducing or eliminating the mosquito. Through a multi-sectoral approach, public health agencies, other relevant agencies/organizations, and the community are involved in the decision-making process to optimize the use of vector control resources.
Through two studies in the Canton of Ticino, these measures have been shown to be effective and can contain tiger mosquitoes over the years (see Suter et al. 2016 and Ravasi et al. 2021).
Action plan for epidemics
To address potential epidemics linked to the presence of the tiger mosquito, the Federal Office of Public Health has developed an action plan to serve as guidance for the cantons.
Guidelines have also been developed on standardized procedures for the control of Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito).
For the use of biocides against adult mosquitoes in the event of an epidemic risk, an extraordinary federal authorization is required.
Drawings of the differences between invasive mosquitoes
Drawings of the differences between invasive mosquitoes.
These drawings intend only to highlight the major differences between the three invasive species. They are not accurate in the details of the insects themselves.