Asian Tiger Mosquito
Aedes albopictus
Established across Malta since 2010 and now the dominant biting mosquito. Unlike native species it bites aggressively during the day and breeds in tiny volumes of water. A bottle cap is enough.
Where it lives in Maltese properties
Plant pot saucers, roof gutters, buckets, disused tyres, wells, blocked drains, air conditioning trays, boat covers, watering cans and any container holding standing water for more than a week.
Signs of an infestation
You will usually notice the evidence long before you see the pest itself. Look for:
- Daytime biting, particularly around the ankles, in gardens and on terraces
- Small black-and-white striped mosquitoes
- Larvae wriggling in standing water in pots, gutters and containers
- Bites concentrated near a specific corner of the garden or yard
Why it matters
The risks associated with Asian tiger mosquito in Malta:
- Competent vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses
- Painful, intensely itchy bites and possible allergic reaction
- Makes outdoor space unusable during the Maltese summer
- Rapid population growth, egg to adult in around ten days
How to prevent it
Prevention is always cheaper than treatment, and for this species it is genuinely effective:
- Empty plant pot saucers, buckets and toys weekly. This one habit does more than everything else put together
- Clear and slope roof gutters so they drain fully
- Cover water butts, wells and cisterns with fine mesh
- Store tyres, containers and boat covers under shelter
- Refresh pet water bowls and bird baths every two days
How we treat Asian tiger mosquito
Adult spraying alone is a short-term measure. We survey and eliminate every breeding container, apply a larvicide (biological Bti where water cannot be removed) to gutters, wells and drains, and treat vegetation harbourage where adults rest. Seasonal programmes from May to October keep gardens, terraces and hotel grounds usable.
Mosquito Control (Garden & Terrace) — from €130 per treatment
Larval source elimination plus vegetation harbourage treatment, so outdoor space is usable through the summer. Seasonal programmes available.
- Survey and removal of every breeding container
- Biological larvicide (Bti) in wells, gutters and drains
- Residual treatment of resting vegetation
- Written prevention plan for the property
- Seasonal programme option, 6 treatments for €650
Often confused with, or found alongside
House Fly
Musca domesticaA fly can move from refuse to a dinner plate in seconds, and it feeds by regurgitating onto food before drinking the liquid.
Fruit Fly
Drosophila melanogasterThe tiny flies over a fruit bowl or a bar drip tray.
Drain Fly (Moth Fly)
Clogmia albipunctataFuzzy grey flies sitting on the tiles just above a drain.
Common House Mosquito
Culex pipiensThe one that whines around the bedroom at night, bred in stagnant, organically rich water: blocked drains, cesspits, neglected wells.
Dealing with Asian tiger mosquito?
Book a treatment online at a fixed price, or request an inspection if you would rather have it confirmed first. Either way you will know the cost before anyone starts work.