Licensed pest control professional warns of Asian Tiger Mosquito spread.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Licensed pest control professional Zachary Smith of PestDude.com is warning Florida residents to be vigilant as the Asian tiger mosquito continues to spread across the country at an alarming pace. The Asian tiger mosquito is a small, dark mosquito with distinctive white stripes on its legs and body and can transmit diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus.

According to Smith, two factors attributed to accelerating the spread of the insect are climate change and human transportation. While climate change does not have a short-term solution, Americans can take action to help reduce the spread of the mosquito.

One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito is to eliminate standing water around homes and businesses. The mosquito lays its eggs in standing water, so removing sources of standing water, such as flowerpots, buckets, and old tires, can significantly reduce the mosquito population. Another effective strategy is to use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The mosquito is known to hitchhike on goods and materials transported across borders, expanding its range rapidly. Therefore, people traveling on the interstate, specifically from east to west, are encouraged to wear mosquito repellent.

Residents should support community-wide efforts to control the mosquito population, including initiatives like mosquito trapping and surveillance programs, public education campaigns, and mosquito control measures such as larviciding and adulticiding.

The Asian tiger mosquito is a highly adaptable species that can survive in various environments, from urban to rural areas and temperate to tropical climates. Unlike many other mosquito species, the Asian tiger mosquito is active during the day, with peak biting activity occurring in the early morning and late afternoon. The mosquito is particularly prevalent in southeastern states, where it has become established in urban and rural areas.

Source: The Asian Tiger Mosquito is Rapidly Spreading Across the US | The Pest Dude