Each region in Virginia is unique as far as mosquitoes go. For example, only in the coastal communities will you experience the pesky "salt marsh" mosquitoes. If you live near woods that have a lot of standing water in the spring, you may notice the common spring time mosquito, Ochlerotatus canadensis.
Most everyone has likely observed or been bitten by the Asian tiger mosquito also know as Aedes albopictus . The Asian tiger is an exotic and invasive mosquito that has become a significant pest throughout Virginia as well as other parts of the U.S. Aedes albopictus is a mosquito native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia; however, in the past couple of decades this species has invaded many countries throughout the world through the transport of goods and increasing international travel. It is characterized by its black and white striped legs, and small black and white striped body. The insect is called a tiger mosquito because its striped appearance is similar to that of a tiger.
This mosquito has become a significant pest in many communities because it closely associates with humans (rather than living in wetlands), and typically flies and feeds in the daytime in addition to at dusk and dawn. Like other mosquito species, only the females require a blood meal to develop their eggs. Female mosquito's drink blood from humans, domestic and wild mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Apart from that, they feed on nectar and other sweet plant juices just as the males do. Male mosquito's, as well as very young mosquito's, are vegetarian and eat plant matter.
It is known that the Tiger Mosquito can transmit pathogens and viruses, such as the Yellow fever virus, Dengue fever and Chikungunya fever. The tiger mosquito is also relevant to veterinary medicine. For example, tiger mosquitoes are transmitters of Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic round worm that causes heartworm in dogs and cats.
Primarily, other mosquito larvae, flatworms, swimming beetles, fungi, ciliates, paramecia, protozoans which act as parasites, predatory copepods and spiders are natural enemies of the larval stage of Asian tiger mosquitoes.
Asian tiger mosquitoes lay their eggs ONLY in "containers" of water or tree holes, however it only needs 1/4" depth to complete its life cycle. The larvae only take 5 to 10 days after hatching to go into the resting stage know as the pupa. Approximately 2 days later the adult mosquito is born. This mosquito does not lay her eggs in ground puddles, ponds, or ditches, and the best way to control the Asian tiger is by eliminating its breeding places. Some common eggs sites are old tires, flowerpots, buckets, kiddie pools, birdbaths, rain gutters, tree holes, even trash. Some eggs can also overwinter meaning they will stay in water when weather is to cold and will start their life cycle in Spring.
Learn more about the Asian tiger mosquito and ways to eliminate breeding places around your home.
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