An Asian tiger mosquito has been spotted in Eindhoven, prompting government safety experts to put up more traps around the city in an effort to see if they are breeding.

Locals living in a 500 metre radius of the sighting have been sent a letter by the public safety body NVWA warning them about the presence of the mosquito and asking people to empty plant pots which may contain water where the mosquitoes could breed.

The mosquito was caught in a residential area, but it is unclear how it came to be in the hands of the NVWA. The NVWA is going to take steps to eradicate potential breeding grounds.

Asian tiger mosquitos have been spotted in Weert, Amstelveen, Assen and Almere so far this year. The first one was found in the Netherlands in 2005.

The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a native of south east Asia and is thought to spread via bamboo plant imports and on car tyres. Dengue fever, yellow fever and encephalitis are among the diseases it spreads.