Summer. Mosquitoes. These two things go together like chips and salsa, although we can all agree that we’d prefer our warm weather without the mosquitoes. One of the most common mosquito species you are likely to encounter in the southern states of the U.S. when it’s hot outside is the Aedes triseriatus.
What You Should Know About the Aedes Triseriatus Mosquito
Your next question is most likely: how can I identify this type of mosquito? Where does it breed? What risks does it pose to me, my family and my pets? Perhaps most importantly, how can you protect against these biting pests? Let’s learn more about this pesky pest.
Aedes triseriatus Identification and Habitat
When you’re sitting in your backyard, enjoying time with friends and family or just listening to the quiet, you’re not likely to pay attention to which type of mosquito is biting you; you only know you’re getting bitten. So how do you know if this type of mosquito is infesting your back yard?
It’s easier to identify the Aedes triseriatus than most, as it has white scales along the middle and back part of its body which stand out against the rest of the body, which is dark. This species is also sometimes referred to the Eastern treehole mosquito or Ochlerotatus triseriatus.
As a treehole mosquito, Aedes triseriatus prefers to lay eggs inside of trees, although it will take an old tire or another dark place that may hold water on a temporary basis if a tree hole is not available. You can also find this type of mosquito in forested areas. According to the Iowa State University Department of Entomology, in the hottest times of year, scrap tire yards in urban areas can house up to 60,000 females at a time.
Although your backyard isn’t likely to have old tires hanging around, you probably have buckets, bowls, animal water dishes, flower pots and vases. This type of mosquito is as likely to thrive in those areas, or can be prevalent in mixed-use neighborhoods which might have tire yards nearby.
Aedes Triseriatus Risks to Humans
In addition to causing itchy, irritating bites, Aedes triseriatus poses another risk to humans as a primary vector of La Crosse encephalitis (LACV). Cases of this virus are concentrated primarily in the upper Midwest and mid-Atlantic states, with those infected living as far west as Texas and as far south as Florida. Some individuals who are infected show no signs of illness, while others experience fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. In severe cases, those infected with the virus can experience seizures, coma and even paralysis.
Eastern treehole mosquitoes can also transmit a variety of other diseases to humans and pets, including the West Nile virus. In addition, Aedes triseriatus can pass Dirofilaria immitis onto dogs, cats and other domestic animals, which causes heartworms.
Protecting yourself from Aedes Triseriatus
Protecting yourself from Aedes Triseriatus is important, not only because mosquito bites are annoying, but because of the potential risk of infection from the diseases this species transmits. The CDC suggests taking these steps to make sure you and your family are protected from all types of mosquitoes:
- Remove areas where standing water gathers, such as in watering cans, flower pots and other containers.
- Keep your pets’ water dishes clean and provide fresh water daily, throwing out existing water at the end of the day.
- Empty bird baths frequently to avoid stagnant standing water.
- Empty the water from children’s “kiddie pools” at the end of each day.
- Keep your yard and grass clean and tidy so mosquitoes have fewer places to hide during the day
- Hold a neighborhood cleanup, where everyone gets together to eliminate areas where mosquitoes may lay eggs or live in the wider area.
ABC Keeps Bugs from Bugging You
Knowing more about the most common types of mosquitoes is one thing. Doing something about it is an entirely different matter. Although there are steps you can take on your own, mosquito control is not easy and is often best left to the professionals. The experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services have been working with homeowners for decades to come up with treatment plans to control all types of pests, including mosquitoes. By identifying nesting sites, treating problem areas with misting backpacks and setting up hassle-free stations, you can come up with a treatment plan that works for you and your family so you can enjoy your yard again.
