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Size : About ½ inch in length
Color : Dark brown or black with numerous white bands on the body and legs. |
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| The Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito is known
to be a vector for various diseases and viruses. |
| The West Nile virus (WNV) is maintained in
nature when an arthropod vector transmits the virus between vertibrate hosts. The primary vector for WNV in the
United States is the Culex pipiens mosquito that commonly breeds in urban areas and prefers to feed on birds. At
least 43 mosquito species in the U.S., including other Culex, Aedes, Anopheles, and Psorophora mosquito species,
have tested positive for WNV. Mosquitoes acquire WNV when feeding on infected birds. The virus is then stored
in the mosquito's salivary glands and transmitted to humans and other incidental hosts when the mosquito takes
a blood meal.(view transmission cycle). The virus has been detected in many wild bird species, including the
American crow. Humans, horses, and most other mammals are generally considered incidental or dead-end hosts,
as they are not known to develop a high enough viral load to either transmit, or become a reservoir for West
Nile virus. |
| Helpful Hints |
1. How homeowners can help to reduce mosquito breeding areas.
These measures together with a professional pest control program will greatly reduce these pests around your
home.
Mosquito breeding around the home can be reduced significantly by reducing the amount of standing
water available for mosquito breeding. Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar
water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property. Do not overlook containers that have become
overgrown by aquatic vegetation. Do not allow water to accumulate at the base of flower pots or in pet dishes
for more than 2 days. Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have accumulated on your property. The
used tire has become the most important domestic mosquito producer in this country. Drill holes in the bottom of
recycling containers that are left out of doors. Drainage holes that are located on the sides collect enough
water for mosquitoes to breed in. Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis, particularly if the leaves from
surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters are easily overlooked but can produce
millions of mosquitoes each season. Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. A wading pool becomes a
mosquito producer if it is not used on a regular basis. Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to
stagnate in bird baths. Both provide breeding habitat for domestic mosquitoes. Aerate ornamental pools or stock
them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to
stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by
a family that goes on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide
complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers. Use
landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle
that lasts more than 4 days.
Repellents:
Non-toxic repellents: including citronella and
cedarwood can be effective, but wear off quickly, and must be re-applied frequently. Citronella candles are only
effective under windless conditions. Garlic oil sprayed on the grass, trees, shrubs and other plants around your
yard will repel mosquitoes from your property for up to 4 weeks.
DEET: due to its toxicity, should
be used only in concentrations under 14%, keep repellent away from eyes and mouth. If possible wear long sleeves
and pants, and apply the repellent to clothes rather than directly to the skin.
Children are particularly at
risk from repellents containing DEET.
Controlling mosquitoes indoors:
The best way to control
mosquitoes indoors is to keep them out. Make sure windows and doors close tightly. Windows should have fine mesh
screens in good repair.
Use a vacuum cleaner hose attachment to kill mosquitoes indoors. It is easier to
suck them up than to hit them with a flyswatter. |
| Picture Courtesy of Texas A&M University |
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