mosquitoes

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Florida's warm, humid climate makes it a haven for mosquitoes.  Understanding the different types of mosquitoes that inhabit our state can help you better protect yourself and your family from their bites and the diseases they may carry. Here's a closer look at some of the most common mosquito species you might encounter in the Sunshine State:

1. Yellow Fever Mosquito (Aedes aegypti)

• Appearance: Small and dark with white markings, including a distinctive lyre-shaped pattern on its thorax.
• Behavior: Daytime biters, most active at dawn and dusk. They prefer to stay close to human dwellings and breed in artificial containers holding water, such as flower pots, buckets, and tires.
• Disease Concerns:  Primary vector of dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever.

2. Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus)

• Appearance:  Black and white striped with a single white stripe down the center of its back.
• Behavior: Aggressive daytime biters, most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They breed in similar containers as the yellow fever mosquito and can also lay eggs in tree holes and bromeliads.
• Disease Concerns: Can transmit dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, though less efficiently than Aedes aegypti.

3. Southern House Mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus)

• Appearance:  Light brown with faint white bands on its legs and abdomen.
• Behavior:  Primarily active at night, from dusk to dawn. They breed in stagnant water, including ditches, ponds, and polluted water sources.
• Disease Concerns:  Vectors of West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, and dog heartworm.

4. Gallinippers (Psorophora ciliata)

• Appearance: Large and aggressive with a painful bite. They have a distinctive "furry" appearance due to their scales.
• Behavior:  Most active at dusk and dawn, particularly after heavy rainfall. They breed in temporary pools of water, such as flooded ditches and pastures.
• Disease Concerns: Not known to transmit any significant human diseases in Florida.

5. Black Salt Marsh Mosquito (Aedes taeniorhynchus)

• Appearance: Medium-sized, dark brown mosquito with white bands on its legs.
• Behavior:  Aggressive biters, active day and night. They breed in salt marshes and coastal areas.
• Disease Concerns:  Can be a nuisance biter but is not a major vector of human diseases in Florida.

Protecting Yourself:

• Eliminate breeding sites: Remove standing water around your home.
• Use repellents: Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear protective clothing: Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity times.
• Repair screens: Make sure windows and doors have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out.
• Support mosquito control efforts: Participate in community mosquito control programs and stay informed about mosquito-borne disease activity in your area.

By understanding the habits and risks associated with these common Florida mosquitoes, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community.