You may have already seen one or two, in these first sunny days: the Tiger mosquito is still risking this year to be the unpleasant guest of the summer. Small, discreet but formidable, it earns a little more land in France each year. Already present in 81 metropolitan departments, it now represents a real health concern.
A map of the departments concerned, published by the Ministry of Health
Appeared in the Alpes-Maritimes in 2004, Aedes Albopictus has spread at high speed in France. It is now located on 84 % of the metropolitan territory, according to a card shared by the site of the Ministry of Health.
In 2025, only 15 zones are still spared. A dazzling progression which is explained by the very nature of the insect.
“”The tiger mosquito is subservient to human activities. Its anthropophilic character explains that once installed in a town or a department, it is practically impossible to get rid of it“Underlines the Ministry of Health.
The list of preserved departments of the mosquito
So what are the last lucky departments, spared by the presence of the tiger mosquito? They are rare.
© Sante.gouv.fr
We count: La Creuse, dawn, the Vosges, the Meuse, the Ardennes, the North, Pas-de-Calais, Somme, Eure-et-Loir, Eure, Orne, Calvados, Manche, Côtes-d’Armor and Finistère.
But even in these areas, the authorities remain vigilant.
A mosquito that acts in silence
Easily recognizable by its black and white stripes, this mosquito spikes especially in the morning and at the end of the afternoon, and unlike its nocturnal fellows, it often acts in silence. And the problem is twofold: in addition to its invasive presence, the tiger mosquito is a recognized vector of serious illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya or the zika virus. Public Health France thus recalls the importance of removing all stagnant waters, “inside and around habitats” to deprive mosquitoes from laying places.
But that’s not all. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, recalls several simple but essential gestures to adopt:
“”We therefore avoid leaving the doors open, especially in the evening, with a flow of light inside which attracts mosquitoes. We also install mosquito nets in the windows to ventilate without inviting insects, and doors with the curtains that are made for. Finally, you can install a mosquito net above the bed to avoid being bitten during sleep and to have a good night without untimely awakenings and itching“.
As for mosquito repellents, the doctor calls for vigilance.
“”Those with essential oils are generally effective, but we still pay attention to their use. Some are not very suitable for children, others prove to be photosensitizing (they can burn the skin in the sun) and we avoid gadgets like bracelets, which do not work“He said.
How to do, to effectively fight against mosquito?
To limit bites and itching, here are the other measures recommended by our expert:
- Wearing long, large and light clothes, especially in the evening;
- Equip windows and mosquito nets;
- Use suitable repellents;
- Eliminate stagnant waters in the saucers of flower pots, buckets, tires, blocked gutters …;
- Consult a doctor in case of symptoms after a bite: headache, muscle pain, rashes.