A shallow dish containing just three centimeters of water can be enough to support the hatching of multiple generations of tiger mosquitoes in a single season. These mosquitoes, known as Aedes albopictus, are a growing concern in many regions due to their ability to transmit viruses such as chikungunya. The most effective way to control their population is to eliminate the places where they lay their eggs—called larval breeding sites. These sites are typically small volumes of stagnant water found both at home and in public areas. By targeting the mosquito at its larval stage, before it matures into a biting adult, the spread of disease can be significantly reduced. Tiger mosquitoes are unique in their egg-laying behavior. Unlike common mosquitoes that lay eggs directly on the surface of water, tiger mosquitoes deposit their eggs on the inner walls of containers, just above the water level. These eggs can remain dormant for months, waiting for moisture to return. This means that even a container that appears dry in the fall may still contain viable eggs ready to hatch in spring. Common larval breeding sites include items like the bottom of flower pots, buckets, watering cans, clogged gutters, rainwater collectors, vases, old tires, and improperly sealed manholes. Each of these can support the development of dozens or even hundreds of adult mosquitoes in a single season. The tiger mosquito has a limited flight range, typically within 150 meters of its breeding site. This means that the mosquito biting you in your garden was almost certainly born nearby. Spraying insecticides in distant areas, such as a neighbor's yard or a park, will not effectively reduce the mosquito population in your own garden. Insecticides can also harm other wildlife and may lead to mosquito resistance, making them a last-resort option. Similarly, traps and UV lamps available in stores have inconsistent effectiveness, and ultrasonic devices have been shown to have no real impact on mosquito populations. Health authorities emphasize that the best strategy is to detect and eliminate breeding sites early, rather than relying on chemical treatments. In practice, controlling tiger mosquitoes involves a weekly inspection of your surroundings. This includes checking for stagnant water in places like the bottom of pots, abandoned buckets, gutters, and folded pool covers. For water sources that cannot be emptied, such as rainwater collectors, using a mosquito net over the opening can prevent females from laying eggs while still allowing the water to be used. As of April 29, 2026, the tiger mosquito has been established in 81 mainland French departments, including Corsica, and more than 6,500 communes. In 2025, France recorded 809 cases of locally transmitted chikungunya, the highest number since 2006. Experts estimate a high probability of an arbovirus epidemic in the next five years. To help track the mosquito’s spread, individuals can report sightings through the national platform signalement-moustique.anses.fr, which helps monitor the mosquito’s expansion and supports public health efforts. Enhanced monitoring is in place from May 1 to November 30, 2026, the period of highest mosquito activity and breeding.