Ankle-Biter Mosquitoes Invading Southern California, Leaving Itchy Bite Marks on Their Victim's Skin

The Aedes mosquito is an invasive species of mosquitoes that have made its way into Southern California, leaving itchy bite marks on its victim's skin. Originally from the tropics, these mosquitoes are believed to have arrived in California more than 10 years ago via cargo ship.

This summer, CBS News reports that these mosquitoes appear to have migrated to Southern California, particularly in San Fernando Valley, Inland Empire, and Greater San Diego.

Aedes: An Invasive Species of Mosquitoes Invading Southern California

These small and black, white-striped mosquitoes are unlike the ones most people have grown accustomed to because they often linger in warmer places, and enjoy shady spots to breed even in a minimal amount of water.

More so, Aedes is notably more aggressive, biting humans than other mammals or birds. Their bites can even go through clothing and often strike rapidly instead of just once. These mosquitoes do not have a specific schedule as they hunt all day whether it is early in the morning or early evening.

Anais Medina Diaz from Los Angeles County Vector Control told the news outlet that these mosquitoes are very aggressive and can survive even in the smallest water. If there are mosquitoes biting, it is likely that there is a source close by where they live. Aedes love to hover around shady places and likely establish their habitats in some plants where water could get stuck.

They are known as ankle-biters because they are poor fliers that bite the legs of their victims and hover above the ground. These mosquitoes are known vectors of yellow fever, Zika, and dengue fever. But they are also linked to West Nile Virus that has been detected in LA county this year.

Experts do not consider these bloodsuckers as an immediate cause for concern and advise the public to use bug spray to eliminate them and hope for cooler weather to come.

How To Avoid Breeding Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can go from an egg into an adult in as short as seven days, according to NBC Los Angeles. That means they could easily reproduce to thousands if people wait for a week to get rid of them. To prevent that, the news outlet has listed some things to follow:

• Get rid of stagnant water- Aedes mosquitoes could reproduce in any amount of water. They could establish a breeding ground in just a cupful of water and complete their life cycle in it. they can breed indoors and outdoors so make sure that there are no open containers filled with water sitting inside or outside the house. Also, check for water in buckets, plant saucers, old tires, fountains, swimming pools, and even recyclables. Drain these objects if there is water present.
• Use insect repellant- insect repellants help chase away mosquitoes. Make sure to use those products that contain DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535.
• Natural interventions- there is a wonderful natural solution to these mosquitoes, like the large female mosquito fish that can eat up 100 mosquito larvae per day. They are best for pools, birdbaths, fountains, and other water troughs that are not consistently maintained.

Check out more news and information on Mosquitoes in Science Times.