Guide · Barcelona
Tiger mosquito in Barcelona: what to do at home
In short
The tiger mosquito breeds in small containers with standing water, so the main measure is to empty them, remove them or turn them upside down and check them every 5 to 7 days. According to the Ajuntament, about 70% of its activity takes place on private terraces, courtyards and gardens. Adulticides have very limited effectiveness.123
What can I do at home to prevent tiger mosquitoes?
The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is an invasive exotic species that lives in urban areas, flies low, bites by day and breeds in small containers of standing water.1 A female can lay up to 200 eggs in a week inside one of these containers, according to the ASPB.1
That is why the effort focuses on private space. According to the Ajuntament, roughly 70% of tiger mosquito activity takes place in outdoor areas of private properties such as gardens, terraces and courtyards.2 The ASPB considers citizen involvement in these spaces vital and asks for outdoor containers to be removed, emptied or turned upside down.1
If you see mosquitoes at home or in the garden, the official action is the same: look for and eliminate standing water. Pay attention to saucers under plant pots, drains, buckets, small containers and toys.2 The ASPB presents this measure as the most effective way to fight the tiger mosquito, and the most respectful of the environment and of people.1
Bear in mind one limitation: the official sources we have read give no specific guidance for residents' communities, roofs or common areas, so this guide does not invent any.
How often must water containers be checked?
The ASPB and the Ajuntament recommend checking outdoor spaces and objects every 5 to 7 days so that no standing water is left.12
What does the Ajuntament do and when does it act?
The ASPB's surveillance programme maintains continuous surveillance from April to November in risk areas of public space and intervenes where it detects activity.12 In its most recent press release among those we have read, the Ajuntament refers to 71 risk zones defined from the previous year's activity, the risk elements and the sensitive facilities.2
What matters is the scope: this surveillance covers public space. What happens inside your terrace, courtyard or garden depends on you, which is precisely where most of the activity is concentrated.2
The ASPB also collaborates with the Mosquito Alert project, which encourages citizens to report the presence of the tiger mosquito and possible breeding sites.1
How do I report a mosquito breeding site?
According to the ASPB, if you detect spots with mosquito activity in public space, you can report it through the Telèfon del Civisme (900 226 226) or the municipal website, and an inspection is carried out.1
This information comes from an old ASPB document. Before calling, confirm the telephone number on the municipal website, because it may have changed.
Does fumigating or using insecticide work against the tiger mosquito?
The official sources on prevention at home that we have read are against fumigation. The Catalan strategy notes that control with adulticides is generally of very limited effectiveness against mosquitoes and, in particular, against the tiger mosquito. For that reason it must only be used if it is duly justified, and never systematically or periodically. The most effective measure is the mechanical removal of breeding sites.3
In other words, paying for fumigation does not replace emptying standing water, and repeating it periodically does not fit that strategy. In addition, every pesticide product carries risks if misused, so this guide does not give products or doses. If you believe your case justifies a treatment, consult a registered company, as explained below.
Who can apply a pesticide treatment?
According to the Catalan strategy, whoever applies pesticides must have the necessary training (the DDD treatment applicator's card or the qualifications set by the state training rules). The exception is products expressly authorised for the general public, which may only be used in the domestic setting.3
Pest control companies or services that treat third parties in the environmental field must be registered in the official Register of Pesticide Establishments and Services (ROESP) of the Generalitat.3
What to ask before hiring:
- That the company confirms its registration in the ROESP.3
- That it explains why it justifies a treatment in your case, given that the strategy limits it to justified situations.3
This page does not certify any company, and the sources we have read give no reference price, so we do not include one.
Frequently asked questions
Does the tiger mosquito transmit diseases?
According to the ASPB, besides unpleasant bites, the tiger mosquito can transmit diseases such as Zika, dengue or chikungunya. This guide does not cover bites or symptoms. If you have concerns about your health, consult the health services.
- Authorship
- Mejores Barcelona, text generated and verified automatically
- Updated
Sources
- Programa de vigilància i control de mosquits, Tot el que cal saber (fulletó, PDF creado el 12.06.2018)https://www.aspb.cat/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ASPB_Plagues-urbanes_Programa-vigilancia-control-mosquits.pdfAccessed: October 12, 2026
- Barcelona intensifica la vigilància i control del mosquit tigre i incorpora trampes intel·ligents de mosquits (nota de premsa, 29.05.2025)https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/premsa/2025/05/29/barcelona-intensifica-la-vigilancia-i-control-del-mosquit-tigre-i-incorpora-trampes-intelligents-de-mosquits/Accessed: October 12, 2026
- Estratègia per a la prevenció i el control del mosquit tigre a Catalunya (abril 2011)https://www.aspb.cat/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mosquittigre_Estrategia_prevencio_control_Catalunya.pdfAccessed: October 12, 2026
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