Mosquito control is crucial to address the increase in mosquito-borne diseases in Europe such as dengue, chikungunya virus disease, and West Nile virus infection, according to EU scientists from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the European Environmental Agency (EEA), and the European Commission, in an article published in Eurosurveillance.
The article was published on World Mosquito Day 2026. This day, observed annually on 20 August, raises awareness about the dangers of mosquito-borne diseases. Global warming, changing environmental conditions, and more frequent international travel, have led to an increase in transmission and outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe and worldwide.
According to the authors, mosquito control efforts are challenged by fragmented governance, limited data on cost-effectiveness and safety of available measures, and a narrow range of approved biocidal substances which are threatened by increasing mosquito resistance to insecticides. Briet et al., recommend continued investment in research to address these issues in order to develop sustainable, evidence-based and integrated mosquito control strategies.
Moreover, the authors emphasise that Europe should promote a One Health approach, which brings together the public health, environmental, veterinary and urban planning sectors to improve the effectiveness of interventions.
Control measures are available, but considerable uncertainties remain
Several methods to curb mosquito populations exist. Stagnant water, where mosquito larvae grow, can either be removed or treated with larvicides. During outbreaks, adult mosquitoes can be controlled with biocides. The sterile insect technique (SIT), which is currently being piloted in Europe, involves releasing sterilised male mosquitoes that mate with females and result in infertile eggs.
Additionally, personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites can help with efforts to control mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. These include using repellents, physical barriers, such as nets, window and door screens, and protective clothing.
However, several challenges remain. There are still uncertainties about the cost effectiveness of these methods, and interventions need to be adapted to local conditions. There are also differences across countries regarding which biocidal products are available or how they can be used.
Pyrethroids, which comprise the majority of approved substances for use in biocidal products, are effective tools for adult mosquito control, but concerns remain about environmental and human health impacts from their wider use. Furthermore, mosquito resistance against these insecticides is increasing.
Mosquito-borne diseases are not always seen as a political priority, which can be limit investment in their surveillance and control.
Cooperation across sectors essential for effective mosquito control
Mosquito control in European countries and at the EU level is overseen by a diverse set of authorities and institutions. In countries, it is usually the responsibility of Ministries of Health, though this is sometimes delegated to municipal authorities. Other ministries are also often involved. Control plans are typically made sub-nationally and deployed by private contractors. In ECDC surveys from 2020 and 2025, 20 out of 29 countries reported having active control measures, with most efforts targeting mosquito larvae. Additionally, the general population also plays a role through personal protective measures.
Action at the EU level involves several institutions with complementary mandates, collaborating both formally and informally through shared science, funding and coordination mechanisms.
ECDC and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provide scientific guidance on public and animal health, respectively, as well as surveillance. ECHA evaluates biocidal substances for mosquito control, while the EEA provides environmental and climate data that help assess risk. Meanwhile, the European Commission oversees the implementation of EU health legislation and supports public health measures, vector surveillance and control through several initiatives and funding.
Together, these activities contribute to a stronger and more coherent approach to addressing vector borne disease risks across Europe.
Given the current complexities in control measures and governance, Briet et al. recommend sustainable, evidence-based and integrated mosquito control, implemented across subnational, national and EU levels. These activities should be embedded in a cross-sectoral One Health approach to reduce outbreak risk while protecting public health, animal health and ecosystems.
Eurosurveillance
10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2026.31.33.2600306
Commentary/editorial
Not applicable
Strengthening mosquito control to manage emerging mosquito-borne diseases
20-Aug-2026
None declared.