Tiger mosquitoes nearing Dordogne

TRAPS have been set up in six Dordogne towns to try to halt the spread of tiger mosquitos which are are close to reaching the department.

The insects, which can be a vector for tropical diseases, have been spreading steadily across the south of France since 1999 and have already been spotted in the Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne.

Anti-mosquito teams have left traps in Bergerac, Périgueux, Sarlat, Bachellerie, Sourzac and Saint-Laurent-sur-Manoire.

Tiger mosquitoes are linked to dengue fever and chikungunya and have been found in 20 French departments so far, gradually heading further north to reach Bordeaux and Lyon.

Experts say there is "good reason to think that they will settle in the Dordogne very soon".

Homeowners can do their bit by eliminating stagnant water from their property, covering wells or reservoirs and cleaning out gutters.

The tiger mosquito is one of the world's most invasive pests, and is easily recognised by its black and white striped legs, and small black and white striped body. It grows to between 2mm and 10mm.

It is a native of southeast Asia, but the boom in international travel over the past few decades has meant it has invaded many other countries. It prefers biting humans to animals.