About
New Jersey, in particular Morris County, we have several species of mosquitoes. Of those mosquitoes the most important ones are Aedes Albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito) and Culex Pipiens (Common House Mosquito). Only the females bite. These mosquitoes can be disease vectors for various diseases such as, West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, Dengue fever, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Zika and others.
- Habits
In most species, adult females lay their eggs in stagnant water: some lay near the water\’s edge while others attach their eggs to aquatic plants. Each species selects the situation of the water into which it lays its eggs and does so according to its own ecological adaptations. Some breed in lakes, some in temporary puddles. Some breed in marshes, some in salt-marshes.
- Threats
In more recent years, West Nile virus, several types of encephalitis, and dog heartworm have been the primary mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S. Additionally, Zika virus, dengue fever, and chikungunya have emerged over the past couple of years as threats to human health in the United States, & South America.
- Prevention
Many measures have been tried for mosquito control, including the elimination of breeding places, exclusion via window screens and mosquito nets, biological control with parasites such as fungi and nematodes, or predators such as fish, copepods, dragonfly nymphs and adults, and some species of lizard and gecko. Another approach is to introduce large numbers of sterile males. Genetic methods including cytoplasmic incompatibility, chromosomal translocations, sex distortion and gene replacement have been explored. They are cheaper and not subject to vector resistance.
- Additional Information
Aedes Albopictus is a container breeder, which means the female will lay her eggs in containers of water regardless of the size of the container. Aedes Albopictus is a very resilient mosquito that can live up to several weeks. Aedes Albopictus is known as what is called an ovipositor; they will glue their eggs at the waterline of a container and wait. These eggs are drought resistant and once the container floods again the eggs will hatch. These eggs can be dry for over a year and they can overwinter. Their range is 100-150 yards from the breeding area. Culex Pipiens thrive in wet, humid and a highly organic material environment, ie. un-cleaned gutters, marshy areas and sewage ditches. They will lay their eggs in containers or stagnant water on egg rafts. Egg rafts consist of 140+ eggs are are laid after each bloodmeal. These eggs will hatch in 1-2 days and the larvae are called wigglers, due to the movement in the water. Culex Pipiens can overwinter in areas such as basements or sheds.Mosquito control is a partnership between the homeowner and NJ Pest. Keeping the your property free of debris and empty containers will greatly decrease the harborage areas on your property.
- Colors
Multi-color and based on species
- Legs
6
- Size
They have slender and dainty bodies of length typically from 3 mm to 6 mm, with a color of dark grey to black, some species have specific patterns.
- Shape
Elongated Narrow
- Antennae
Yes