Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes

What do Aedes aegypti mosquitoes look like?

These mosquitoes start as little, wriggling worms—as all mosquitoes do. Then, the worms grow into tumblers partially encased in cocoons. When the tumblers harden into adult mosquitoes, they break free of their cocoons and leave the water.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are between .15 and .27 inches long in their adult form. They have dark bodies with white specks and long legs with a few white bands. The contrast of dark and white makes Aedes aegypti mosquitoes distinct.

What do Aedes aegypti mosquitoes eat?

As wrigglers, they feed on organic material like bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms in stagnant water. The tumblers do not eat. They use the nutrients acquired during the larval (wriggler) stage of development. Emerging adult mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant juices. Yes, you read that right. Mosquitoes do not feed on blood for sustenance. Only the females draw blood. They need a blood meal to lay eggs.

When does Aedes aegypti bite?

These mosquitoes are daytime feeders and are most active in the early morning (1-2 hours after sunrise) and late afternoon (a few hours before sunset). They generally avoid biting at night unless there’s artificial light around.

Are Aedes aegypti mosquito bites dangerous?

Yes, they can be dangerous. The Aedes aegypti species is notorious for transmitting dangerous viruses like West Nile virus, western equine encephalitis, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. It’s important to note that not all mosquito-borne illnesses are endemic to Texas; for example, most cases of Zika in the U.S. were found in travelers returning from tropical and subtropical countries where local transmission is common.

Their bites are more than an itchy annoyance—they can lead to serious health risks. But there are some factors to consider when evaluating the danger:

• Not every mosquito that bites you is infected.
• Many of the harmful diseases spread by Aedes aegypti are not localized. The risk rises during times of outbreak.
• These mosquitoes don't travel far and are limited to contracting viruses from the animals and humans on or around a property.
• Even the most dangerous mosquito-borne viruses can lead to asymptomatic illness, meaning you won't have symptoms.

You may mitigate the risk of serious illness by exercising extra caution during outbreaks.

What attracts Aedes aegypti mosquitoes?

Many things can attract these mosquitoes to you and your property. The greatest attractant is carbon dioxide emissions. Mosquitoes can detect CO2 from a distance. If you have an outdoor party, you can attract mosquitoes into your yard, but it is much more likely that they'll take root before your party. Here are some things that will attract them:

• Nectar: Mosquitoes draw nectar out of flowers. If you have flowering weeds in your yard, you may attract the attention of mosquitoes.
• Sap: Mosquitoes draw sap out of plant stems. The more plants you have, the more enjoyable your property is to mosquitoes.
• Humid habitats: Mosquitoes dry out easily and dehydrate, which is one reason they hide in landscape vegetation and tall grass.
• Stagnant water: Female mosquitoes are attracted to puddles and containers of water.
• Shade: Mosquitoes prefer shade so the sun doesn't dry them out.
• Light: Mosquitoes are generally attracted to light, and certain exterior lighting can lure them to your property.

Where do Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed?

These mosquitoes are "container breeders," meaning they love to lay their eggs in standing water, including spots such as tires, buckets, flower pots, and any other water-holding containers. Their eggs can survive dry conditions, waiting for the next rain to hatch. If you have damp conditions or containers on your property, you'll likely have trouble with mosquitoes.

How do I get rid of mosquitoes?

Contact Marathon Pest Control to help eliminate mosquitoes and prevent them from reproducing on your property. Serving The Woodlands and surrounding areas, our local pest control company has provided mosquito control services since 2016.

What keeps these mosquitoes away?

There are all-natural ways to deter mosquitoes. The most important is addressing stagnant water breeding sites. Removing breeding sites will discourage female mosquitoes from entering your property and limit their ability to make more mosquitoes. Here are a few more mosquito prevention tips:

• Don't let water sit for more than a week. It takes about a week and a half for mosquitoes to develop and leave the water.
• Cut grass regularly and keep landscape plants trimmed neatly.
• Trim tree canopy to reduce shade.
• Make sure your property has proper drainage.
• Address weeds in your lawn and landscaping to reduce the nectar and plant juices mosquitoes feed on.