Among the most difficult pests to control for Doylestown homes and businesses is the Asian tiger mosquito. Recognized as a significant health threat, this is an imported pest that is the subject of strong control measures wherever it is known to reside.
Experts recognize the Asian tiger mosquito as being one of the more difficult pests to treat. In fact, this species is known to be highly resistant to the bug sprays that are widely available in home improvement stores. Accordingly, the population of Asian tiger mosquitoes will continue to grow until professional control methods are utilized.
Professional intervention is critical because exterminators have access to more powerful treatments that are proven to be effective at controlling Asian tiger mosquitoes. Moreover, exterminators are trained to identify the conditions that are likely to attract these pests to a certain piece of property. By having these conditions corrected, the homeowners can better protect themselves and prevent future infestations.
WHAT DO ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES LOOK LIKE?
Mosquitoes are a common summertime pest with more than one species being found in the local area. People can tell if they are being harassed by Asian tiger mosquitoes by looking for a distinctive white stripe that runs down the insect's head and back. Additionally, the black body has white spots and stripes that differentiate it from other mosquito species. Male Asian tiger mosquitoes may be identified by their bushy antennae, which are critical to locating females.
WHERE DO TIGER MOSQUITOES LIVE?
The Asian tiger mosquito is not a native species in the area. Nonetheless, it has demonstrated its ability to be extremely adaptable. Members of the species only need appropriate food and water sources and a habitat that is suitable for laying eggs. The Asian tiger mosquito is able to use both natural bodies of water and man-made containers for egg laying.
People are most likely to find Asian tiger mosquitoes and their eggs in abandoned tires. Researchers believe that the first members of this species to reach North America did so in a shipment of tires. If no appropriate tire can be located, then the female will lay her eggs in a clogged gutter or a bird bath. A pile of trash, which may hide small pools of water, also can be the ideal habitat for egg laying.
Asian tiger mosquitoes are not adept at flying. This means that they will spend their entire life cycle in the same area. Accordingly, subsequent generations of Asian tiger mosquitoes will remain in the general area in which they were hatched.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES
Some pests cause widespread property damage, but this is not the case with the Asian tiger mosquito. Instead, people need to be aware about the health risks that are posed by this small but dangerous pest.
WHAT DO TIGER MOSQUITOES EAT?
Sugar-rich nectar and juices from plants are the largest components of the Asian tiger mosquito's diet. Males do not bite people because they do not require blood meals. Females have a biological need for blood because this enables them to lay eggs.
Female Asian tiger mosquitoes may feed on birds or mammals. They are opportunistic feeders that will make the most of an opportunity to feed on people.
DO ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES BITE?
Yes.
Asian tiger mosquitoes may bite their hosts repeatedly in order to consume sufficient levels of blood necessary for breeding.
ARE ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES AGGRESSIVE?
An Asian tiger mosquito's bite generally is considered less irritating than bites from other mosquito species. Still, females of the species are not known to allow opportunities for a blood meal to pass them by. A single human victim may receive several bites from the same mosquito, and this can become excessively irritating if there is a large Asian tiger mosquito population in the immediate area.
DO ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITIOES CARRY DISEASE?
Yes.
Doctors and scientists have discovered that Asian tiger mosquitoes may transmit numerous illnesses to bite victims. Among these are Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya and dengue fever.
As many as 30 percent of the people who contract the EEE virus will have a fatal case. Even those who survive may be left with ongoing neurological problems. Clearly, encephalitis is a major health concern and a primary reason for seeking professional control of Asian tiger mosquitoes.
At first, Zika virus may manifest few symptoms, but some victims eventually develop conditions such as fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. If the symptoms are not treated, they can become much worse.
West Nile virus is similar in that many people do not develop symptoms. Others suffer from rash, fever, aches in the body, vomiting, diarrhea and more. Patients with a serious case may suffer damage to the central nervous system, and they may lose their lives.
Within about a week of being bitten, victims of the Chikungunya virus will begin to suffer severe symptoms including joint swelling, headache and rash. Rarely fatal, this virus remains a hardship for its victims.
A person who is infected with dengue fever may only have mild signs of the virus, but others will deal with vomiting, bloody stool and other unpleasant symptoms. Medical attention is required to ensure that the patient's condition does not become life-threatening.
HOW TO DETECT TIGER MOSQUITOES
Indications of an Asian tiger mosquito issue include:
• Black-and-white striped mosquitoes buzzing around people • Several mosquito bites • Standing water containing egg sacs
HOW TO PREVENT TIGER MOSQUITOES
To help prevent Asian tiger mosquito problems the following steps should be taken:
• Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear • Install pumps to move water around in ponds and other water features • Frequently replace the water used in wading pools, bird baths and dishes filled with water for pets • Look for and eliminate sources of standing water on the property • Get rid of piles of trash or yard debris that may provide breeding habitat • Ask neighbors to help correct standing water problems associated with junk piles and abandoned cars
HOW TO TREAT FOR MOSQUITOES
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we realize mosquito control problems can make life indoors or out less enjoyable.
Our certified technician will conduct a thorough indoor and outdoor inspection of the premises, detect potential Asian tiger mosquito breeding and provide the best professional grade products designed for Asian tiger mosquito eradication and prevention.
