That "Rotten" Mosquito

Culex tarsalis: Dale Parker

There are over 40 different species of mosquitoes in Arizona.  Most are just nuisance pests and do not transmit any disease, other species do not impact humans in any way.  However, like most things in life, there are a few “rotten apples” that ruin it for the whole bunch.

Mosquitoes in Arizona: (the “rotten” ones)

Culex tarsalis: Western Nile Virus

This mosquito is a vector for several types of encephalitis causing viruses including West Nile Virus.  The adults hide in vegetation, burrows, barns, and culverts.  They feed on birds and mammals.

Aedes aegypti: Dog Heartworm

Not a native of Arizona but like many non-natives has taken up residence.  This mosquito can transmits dog heartworm.  Prefers small amounts of water for egg laying like water in old tires, clogged gutters, pet dishes, and birdbaths.  In other parts of the world this mosquito transmits viruses that cause yellow fever and dengue fever.

Anopheles freeborni: Malaria

This mosquito will feed on rabbits, cattle, horses, dogs, and aggressively bite humans.  It is the most important vector of malaria in Arizona.

Culex quinquefasciatus: Dog Heartworm, Encephalitis

This mosquito readily enters our homes and can be heard buzzing around our heads.  It will utilize small pools of water for egg laying.  This mosquito is a vector for several types of encephalitis causing viruses including West Nile Virus.

Using IPM to protect us around our homes

Integrated Pest Management aims to manage pests such as insects, diseases, weeds and animals by combining physical, biological, and chemical tactics that are safe and environmentally compatible.

For mosquito prevention:

• Eliminate standing water by removing old tires, buckets, toys, and other water holding objects
• Drain excess water from flowerpots
• Keep rain gutters and drains clean and free of obstruction
• Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use
• Change water in birdbaths by flushing with a hose at least once a week
• Keep swimming pools covered when not in use
• Clear aquatic vegetation from around the edges of ponds to allow fish to feed on mosquito larvae and pupae
• Keep windows, doors and porches tightly screened
• Try to avoid peak mosquito feeding time, which is usually dusk to dawn
• If you need to use a mosquito repellent be sure to read and follow the label
• Be aware of abandoned homes in your neighborhood, they may be a hotspot for mosquito breeding

More Arizona mosquito information can be found here:

http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/az1311.pdf

http://research.biology.arizona.edu/mosquito/MosquitoUA.html
http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/az1221/

http://uanews.org/node/32833
Maricopa County Environmental Services (Vector Control) 

Thanks to Michelle Niedermeier 

Community IPM and Environmental Health Program Coordinator

Philadelphia School and Community IPM Partnership (PSCIP)

Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management (PA IPM) Program