Asian Tiger Mosquito Identification & Prevention

The Asian tiger mosquito is an aggressive daytime biter that can drive its victims indoors when concentrated in large numbers in a backyard setting.

Description

The Asian tiger mosquito has very distinctive markings and is easily identifiable by even a casual observer. It will bite as often during broad daylight as near dawn or dusk. This mosquito is a "container breeder" which will deposit its eggs in almost any type of natural or artificial container which will hold water. The Asian tiger mosquito has a limited flight range and is most often encountered near its breeding habitat. This mosquito can transmit dangerous mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, eastern equine encephalitis, and dog heartworm. It is also a potential vector of St. Louis and LaCrosse encephalitis viruses.

Biology And Behavior

• Adult females are approximately 1/4 of an inch in length.
• Both adult males and females are covered with shiny black scales with silver or white bands on their legs and dotted lines on their abdomens.
• Its most distinctive characteristic is a striking band of silver or white scales down its thorax.
• You can find mosquito larvae in artificial containers such as tires, flowerpots, buckets, trash receptacles, ornamental ponds, birdbaths, pet watering dishes, clogged guttering, and abandoned cups and cans.
• Mosquito larval development may also occur in natural containers such as tree holes and leaf axils.
• Asian tiger mosquitoes may share their breeding habitats with other mosquito species.
• In temperate climates like ours, this mosquito overwinters in the egg stage.