Tiger mosquito on the menu: predacious diving beetles as natural enemies of the tiger mosquito

The tiger mosquito, an invasive species that can spread viruses, is becoming a growing problem in Europe. ITM researchers are the first in Europe to investigate whether the predacious diving beetle is a natural enemy of the tiger mosquito. Many of our native diving beetles have proven to be effective hunters of tiger mosquito larvae, offering a potentially sustainable and eco-friendly ally in the fight against mosquito infestations.

While predacious diving beetles may not completely eliminate the tiger mosquito, they offer a sustainable alternative alongside existing control methods. These beetles should be supported in areas where the tiger mosquito is present, either through supportive environmental management or by releasing them into the environment. Once introduced to mosquito-infested areas, the diving beetles naturally seek out locations with plenty of mosquito larvae. Since predatory diving beetles can live for several years, there is no need for continuous releases.