Pest Species >> Mosquitoes

The gentle North Carolina climate supports more than 60 species or kinds of mosquitoes. Only a few of these species are problems for humans. Many species are rare or prefer to feed on birds, frogs or turtles. Generally only regarded as pests, mosquitoes do play an important role in the environment. Mosquitoe larvae are a source of food for other aquatic organisms. Adults of many mosquito species have an important role in the pollination of some plants.

Mosquitoes, especially in large numbers, can be a nuisance. Of the more than 60 species of mosquitoes in North Carolina, the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is usually the mosquito that generates the most complaints. Another species, that is fairly new to North Carolina, Ochlerotatus japonicus, is also an aggressive biter and both breed readily in any container that holds water for a few days. The population of both these species can rise dramatically after rainy weather. Limiting breeding sites is the most important factor in supressing the population of these species. Be on the lookout for anything around your home that will hold water after a rain  (plant saucers, gutters, birdbaths, pet water dishes, etc.).  Removing standing water and emptying birdbaths every few days will do much to reduce the mosquitoes in your yard.

Mosquitoes can also serve as vectors in the transmission of disease pathogens (notably viruses) between animals. These can pose a significant risk to the health of both humans and domesticated animals in North Carolina. The viruses that mosquitoes can carry are referred to as arboviruses ( ar thropod bo rne viruses). Mosquitoes acquire virus from reservoir hosts (typically small mammals or birds) when the female takes a blood meal and then may transfer that virus to another animal at a later feeding. Humans are at risk, particularly when mosquito populations increase. The State Public Health Pest Management Section provides technical assistance in the development and implementation of local mosquito control programs as well as surveillance of mosquito populations and the pathogens they carry.

In order to be most effective at controlling mosquito populations and the pathogens they carry, it is important to have a good understanding of what species of mosquito you need to control, their life cycle and the habitats where they are most likely to occur. The first step in any control program is to learn as much as you can about the species you are trying to control. All mosquitoes have a four-stage life cycle, and water is necessary for the larvae to develop. The female mosquito usually needs to feed on blood in order to obtain the necessary protein for eggs to develop. Depending on the species, the female only bites one specific group, such as birds, or she may be able to feed off of many types of animals, including man. Development can be rapid; some species of mosquitoes can grow from an egg to adults in as little as four days! Because mosquitoes lay large numbers of eggs, unusually wet weather can cause a rapid surge in the mosquito population. Control of mosquito populations is necessary to reduce the risk of disease as well as reduce the stress their numbers can cause to humans and domesticated animals. 

For More Information:

• PHPM Brochures on Asian Tiger Mosquito and others
• Health Issues
• N.C. Cooperative Extension Service: Mosquito Control
• N.C. Mosquito and Vector Control Association (NCMVCA)
• American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
• NCSU: Insect Notes (Mosquitoes)

For more about mosquitoes and what is being done in North Carolina to reduce their impact, please see the following links:

• Surveillance
• Prevention and Control
• Sentinel Flock
• Pesticides
• Advice to Beekeepers
• Monitoring Pathogens