Local Mosquito Species
The Over-Wintering Mosquito
(Anopheles freeborni and Anopheles punctipennis)
This over-wintering pest is a fairly large mosquito. They are vicious biters, known to fly great distances, and enters houses readily. This mosquito is found throughout most of California and is a severe pest. Anopheles freeborni and Anopheles punctipennis were involved in the malaria epidemics during the late 1800's and early 1900's in northern California.
While cold winter weather kills most kinds of mosquitoes, the adult female Anopheles freeborni and Anopheles punctipennis "hibernate" during these months. In the fall these mosquitoes disperse several miles from their breeding sources to seek shelter in protected places, such as attics and outbuildings. They are often a nuisance in January and February when a warming trend sounds a "wake-up-call" to these mosquitoes. They are extremely hungry and are looking for a blood meal which will nourish their developing eggs. biting females are most bothersome during the afternoons and early evenings. Fortunately, the problem won't last too long, usually a few weeks.
Where They Breed:
They prefer standing water that is open and sunlit with vegetation and algae present. Such sources include creek isolations, ponds, swampy areas, stream edges and drainage courses.
The Western Treehole Mosquito
(Ochlerotatus sierrensis)
Adults are small, dark-bodied with white markings on the back and legs. The treehole mosquito received its name because the immature stages are frequently found in water contained in rotted holes of trees such as oak, olive, madrone, eucalyptus, and other local species. They are frequent pests in residential and recreational areas where large numbers of trees are present. As vicious biters, they are a severe nuisance and transmit dog heartworm in California. Treehole mosquitoes prefer to feed outdoors (but sometimes enter homes) during the mid-morning and late afternoon. Like all species of mosquitoes, only the female mosquito takes a blood meal (bites).
It is not possible for your mosquito abatement or
vector control districts to eliminate all treehole mosquitoes because of the many potential
sources and the difficulty in locating them.
Residents should
- examine trees on property for holes, cavities or crotches which can hold water.
- contact a tree surgeon or local nursery if holes are found, to determine the best way to correct the problem
- pruning, draining or filling in holes with dirt or similar material should be performed to eliminate sources
- check and clean out gutters that collect plant debris and trap water
- empty, turn upside down or throw away containers that collect water, such as cans, buckets and old tires
- use insect repellents if it is necessary to be in an area where this mosquito is found
READ & FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!
The Common House Mosquito
(Culex pipiens)
As their name implies these mosquitoes are found regularly around people's homes and workplaces. In fact this mosquito is the most widely distributed mosquito in the world! These mosquitoes are plain looking brown mosquitoes but don't let that fool you into thinking that they are harmless. They are secondary vectors of Saint Louis Encephalitis and Western Equine Encephalitis. They are also implicated as being a main vector in the transmission of West Nile Virus. They mainly feed on birds but they will feed on people too.
The larvae prefer organic (smelly and dirty) water. These larvae can be found anywhere from dirty dog water dishes to storm drains. It is important that everyone keeps an eye out for standing water that doesn't need to be that way. For instance by cleaning up old tires, dog dishes, and wading pools and by turning over items that may hold water like wheelbarrows and unused flower pots there will that many fewer places for mosquitoes to develop.
Western Encephalitis Mosquito
(Culex tarsalis)
These mosquitoes are the primary vectors in the transmission of Western Equine Encephalitis and Saint Louis Encephalitis. They may also play a role in the transmission of West Nile Virus.
Culex tarsalis has white bands on its legs making it a pretty mosquito (if there is such a thing!). These mosquitoes like Culex pipiens generally feed on birds but will feed on people too. Unlike pipiens, tarsalis larvae prefer clean water. Because of this they more common in standing water that is a result of over irrigation. Culex tarsalis is still found in urban situations because of artificial containers (flower pots, pet dishes, unchlorinated swimming pools) so it is important to check your property for such places.
For More Information:
(530) 365-3768