Biting Insects

Asian Tiger Mosquito

Breeding

First found in the United States in Harris Co., Texas, in 1985, the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes Albopictus) is now present in more than thirty states. The Asian Tiger Mosquito is a 'container breeder‘ that breeds in artificial containers such as tires, flower pots, buckets and rain gutters; as well as natural containers such as bamboo, bromeliads, and tree holes. The Asian Tiger Mosquito is not a strong flyer so it does not travel far from its breeding habitat. If it's breeding in your backyard, that's where it will stay.

Biting Habits

The Asian Tiger Mosquito is an aggressive day-biter and is most active from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most mosquitoes feed at dawn and dusk, and rest in the foliage during the day. They will generally bite you during the day only if you go into their shady resting spots. The Asian Tiger Mosquito will readily leave its shady resting area to feed on you even in the direct sun.

Diseases

Unlike other species, Asian Tiger Mosquito eggs can survive very cold winters. As a result the Asian Tiger Mosquito has great potential to carry diseases into a substantial portion of the United States. In the Central region of the United States, this species has been linked to the transmission of LaCrosse Encephalitis. There have been several documented cases of Dengue Fever in southern Texas due to the increased numbers of Aedes Albopictus in that region. Another disease Aedes albopictus can transmit to humans is the West Nile Virus.

Sources: AMCA Newsletter, Aug. 1990, Wing Beats. Novak, Robert. "The Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus." 1992. Vol. 3; www.cdc.gov

Aedes Aegypti

Breeding

Aedes Aegypti breed in artificial containers (flower pots, rain gutters, bird baths) and eggs can resist desiccation for up to one year. The eggs will hatch when flooded by deoxygenated water. Aedes Aegypti fly only a few hundred yards from their breeding area.

Biting Habits

Often called the Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes Aegypti is an early morning or late afternoon feeder, but will also bite at night under artificial illumination. Habitats are often found close to human areas and the mosquitoes will often bite indoors or in sheltered areas near the home. Human blood is preferred over other animals, with ankles as a favorite bite area.

Diseases

The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is the primary carrier for viruses that cause Dengue Fever and Yellow Fever.

Source: Wing Beats, Womack, Michael. The Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes Aegypti. 1993, Vol. 5 (4):4

Black Flies

Breeding

With a short life span of only 2-3 weeks, black flies are small humpbacked flies that breed and develop in clear running water. Females deposit from 150 to 500 eggs in submerged vegetation, and the eggs hatch in four to five days.

Biting Habits

Female black flies feed on blood, while males on nectar. Unlike most mosquitoes, black flies bite in the middle of the day. As the female bites, she injects saliva into the skin, which is highly irritating and leads to swelling and itching.