We know that mosquitoes can be a nuisance and ruin our outdoor fun, but they can also pose a far more serious threat. In fact, mosquitoes are considered one of the deadliest animals in the world due to the diseases they can transmit. Mosquitoes are guilty of spreading diseases, such as malaria, West Nile virus, Zika virus and much more. With 12 genera and about 176 species of mosquitoes in the United States, below are 3 major species that are culprits of spreading disease and causing those painful, itchy bites.
The Anopheles mosquito, better known as the malaria mosquito, can be found in every continent except for Antarctica. As you can guess from the name, this mosquito is known universally for being the primary vector of malaria. The Anopheles mosquito is also responsible for transmitting heartworm disease to animals. The female malaria mosquito can lay her eggs in a wide range of locations, including inground pools, small streams, freshwater marshes and any other place with clean, slow-moving water. The Anopheles mosquito is most active at two times: just before dawn and right after darkness sets. An interesting fact about the malaria mosquito is that they can still be found in areas where malaria has been eradicated, because the parasite that spreads the disease has been eliminated, not the mosquito itself.
The Aedes mosquito was originally found in tropical and subtropical zones, but can now also be found in all countries except Antarctica. They are visually distinctive because they have noticeable black and white markings on their bodies and legs. The Aedes mosquito is also unique in that they are active and bite only during the daytime, mostly early in the morning and in the evening before dusk. Some of the biggest culprits in the Aedes genus include:
- The Aedes aegypti mosquito, aka Yellow Fever mosquito: The Aedes aegypti generally lives indoors and near people, resting in cool shaded places in houses, such as wardrobes, laundry areas and under furniture. They are sneaky pests that normally bite around people’s feet and ankles and may bite repeatedly. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is most known for spreading yellow fever, a viral infection that can cause fever, headache and nausea.
- The Aedes Albopictus Mosquito, aka Asian Tiger Mosquito: The Aedes Albopictus is the most invasive mosquito species in the world. The female Asian tiger mosquitoes leave behind an itchy, red bump on the skin while you are trying to enjoy your outdoor activities. They also lay their eggs in stagnant water, which can be found in old tires, flowerpots, birdbaths and clogged trains. That means something as small as a bottle cap can hold enough water for larvae, the immature form of insects, to develop.
The common house mosquito gets its name from its typical behavioral pattern – coming into your house and biting you between sunset and sunrise, disrupting your night with multiple itchy, painful bites. The Culex mosquitoes are weak flyers and do not fly very far from where they develop as larvae. Their adult lives are short, rarely more than 15 days. An interesting fact about these mosquitoes is that unlike other mosquitoes that die when the winter months arrive, the house mosquito can hibernate during winter in protected places like sewers, crawlspaces and basements.
Fortunately, Mosquito Joe is here to help you rid your yard of any mosquito that is ruining your outdoor fun, as well as protect you from mosquito-borne illnesses. Here are a few ways you can help make sure mosquitoes don’t call your yard home:
- Regularly empty ponds, bird baths, fountains, buckets, kids toys and anything else that may gather water.
- Drill holes in tire swings, trash cans and recycle bins so stagnant water cannot accumulate.
- Cut grass and shrubs short – adult mosquitoes gather to rest in shady areas.
- Clean out gutters to avoid standing water.
- Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
- Call Mosquito Joe to rid your yard of mosquitoes and create a protective barrier around your property.
From barrier treatments, all-natural treatments, special events and more, we can provide many different mosquito control options that best fit your needs. Our team is built of mosquito control experts and we’re here to help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on your property. If you would like more information on how we can eliminate these pesky mosquitoes so you can get back to enjoying your yard, find your local Mosquito Joe and give them a call today!
