At Germany’s European Championship base in Bavaria, preparations for the last-16 tie with Denmark have been hindered by an unexpected mosquito infestation.
The players and staff have been frequently questioned about this issue during press conferences leading up to the match.
A cocoa-based deterrent has been employed to tackle the mosquito problem, but it has brought its own challenges.
The unpleasant smell from the cocoa fumes has driven the players indoors, disrupting their routines.
Germany’s base in Herzogenaurach, surrounded by woodland and rural landscapes, is experiencing an abnormal surge in mosquito activity due to the combination of still conditions and hot summer temperatures.
This site, known as the Home Ground campus, was built by Adidas for the national team and opened in 2020 on a former U.S. military base.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann described the situation as an “abnormal plague,” stating, “We need more wind so that there won’t so many mosquitoes. If not, we have to go inside.”
The mosquito problem has been so severe that players have been unable to watch other tournament games by the swimming pool and have instead stayed indoors.
Forward Maximilian Beier confirmed multiple bites, saying, “But if that remains the biggest problem, then everything is fine.”
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has also emphasized the importance of keeping mosquito nets closed at night to prevent further bites.
Bavaria, known for its 50 different mosquito species, has faced increased mosquito activity this year due to serious flooding, which has led to unusual hatching patterns.
In nearby Ingolstadt, just 100km from Herzogenaurach, local media reported aggressive mosquito behavior, leading to low supplies of insect repellent, residents avoiding outdoor activities at night, and some even requiring medical treatment for their bites.
