The Asian tiger mosquito is not a native insect to Ewing. Many experts believe the tiger mosquito accidentally came into the United States inside shipments received during the 1970s.
The bite of the Asian tiger mosquito is the problem. The females can bite, and they are not shy about it. They tend to aim for the ankles or knees, but they will bite any exposed skin they can find. The mosquitoes will also bite dogs and other small mammals. The bite may burn at first if a person or dog feels it. The burn resides quickly, followed by itchiness, and a red spot could develop. Mosquitoes can transmit many diseases to people. Due to the illnesses they carry, it is necessary to keep the mosquitoes from breeding around homes and buildings.
WHAT ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES LOOK LIKE
The Asian tiger mosquito may have a big bite, but they have a small body. They measure approximately 2 to 10 millimeters. The males are not as long as the females.
The black and white stripes on the mosquito’s body is how the species got its name. It is the stripe pattern that helps people to tell the tiger mosquitoes from other mosquito species. The dark wings are see-through with white tips.
The body of the mosquito is compact and sturdy. Their abdomen is narrow, and the thorax has a hump. Under the mosquito head is a tube-shaped, flexible mouth part. When the mosquito is ready to feed, the mouth part elongates and will stick through the skin. The mosquito can then remove blood from the host. The mouthpart returns to its place under the head when not in use.
WHERE DO TIGER MOSQUITOES LIVE?
The Asian tiger mosquito queen does not build nests or elaborate colonies like other insects. The female will lay the eggs in small spaces or objects with stagnating water. Places found in nature, including trees or fallen branches, are preferred. She will use other containers, including flower pots, pools, buckets, and anything else that holds water.
The female will lay her eggs inside the container just above the water. The eggs will survive even if the water levels increase. It is the increase of water that causes the eggs to hatch. The young stay safely in containers and feed on the microorganisms found in the water until they are big enough to leave.
WHAT DO TIGER MOSQUITOES EAT?
The female tiger mosquito mainly relies on blood for its food. She needs blood for reproduction purposes. The female is an aggressive feeder and can feed off many animals, including people, pets, deer, squirrels, birds, and more. The female will also consume nectar from time to time.
The males do not need blood and therefore do not feed on people and other animals. Instead, they consume nectar. Plants mosquitoes enjoy include marigolds, cosmoi, zinnias, and lantanas. The flowers of the plants are known to produce a lot of nectar.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES
The tiger mosquito does not cause property damage like other insects. They do not feed on wooden structures or plants and vegetables from the garden. They can; however, cause a problem when it comes to outdoor activities. The mosquitoes do not care if Ewing residents are enjoying the great outdoors. They are aggressive biters and will bite more than once.
The Asian tiger mosquito is an invasive pest that is said to have come to the United States from Asia. The U.S. was importing used tires from several Asian countries. The invasive mosquito competes with the native insects, which can upset the balance of the local ecosystem over time.
ARE ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES AGGRESSIVE?
The female Asian tiger mosquitoes are the aggressive ones, not the males. Daytime is when the mosquitoes are most active and are not choosey when it is time to find a host. They will host humans, pets, birds, and wild animals. The mosquitoes will aim for any exposed skin but prefer to bite humans on the lower legs. They especially like to draw blood from the ankle and knee areas.
The bites are not always painful. However, they usually become itchy almost immediately. They can become red and irritated if scratched open. The bites can cause an allergic reaction in some people that may require medical attention.
DO ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITIOES CARRY DISEASE?
Yes, Asian tiger mosquitoes encountered carry several diseases. The mosquitoes can transmit diseases to humans and their pets. They include Dengue fever, Zika virus, and Chikungunya. Tiger mosquitoes that carry the Dengue virus can transmit Dengue fever to those they bite. It is possible to mistake the symptoms of Dengue fever for the flu because they are similar. They include a headache, fever, and body aches and pains. A person will start feeling better within a week in most cases. However, there are times when symptoms worsen, and the virus turns into Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be life-threatening. The symptoms include a drop in blood pressure, stomach discomfort, vomiting, fatigue, and internal bleeding. Consult a medical professional for treatment right away.
People who contract the Zika virus may never know they are infected. Those infected do not necessarily develop symptoms. For people who have symptoms, they are mild. Symptoms include headaches, a fever, rash, pink eye, and body aches. The symptoms are usually gone within a week.
HOW TO DETECT TIGER MOSQUITOES
Signs of an Asian tiger mosquito problem include:
• Look into any container holding water outside and see if any tiger mosquitoes are gliding on the water. • An increase in buzzing noises outside and inside means the mosquitoes are taking up residence. • Noticing more red, itchy bumps on the skin. • Seeing more misquotes flying around the property during the day.
HOW TO PREVENT TIGER MOSQUITOES
To help protect against Asian tiger mosquito issues the following steps should be taken:
• Asian tiger mosquitoes use stagnant water for breeding. Keep all containers that hold water regularly, including bird baths, flower pots, and gutters, clean and dry. • Keep skin exposure limited when outside. Wear long socks, pants, shirts, hats, and closed footwear. The mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing. • Use screens on all doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home or building. Use mosquito nets when spending time outdoors. • Maintain the property around the home or building. Keep the grass to appropriate heights, the grounds free of debris, and trim any bushes. • Use the recommended amount of chlorine and other chemicals in outdoor swimming pools. The pool chemicals will help keep the mosquitoes from breeding in the pool water. • Apply insect repellents containing DEET. Oil of lemon eucalyptus and picaridin are EPA-approved repellents. Avoid being outside during sunrise or sunset when mosquitoes are most active.
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.
