MOSQUITOES

 There are approximately 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world. Nearly 4 million people worldwide die each year from mosquito-borne diseases.   In San Diego County, there are 27 different species of mosquitoes,  at least 9 of which are known to carry diseases that can be passed to humans. 

  Prevent Mosquito Breeding

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. To prevent mosquito breeding, check for and dump out standing water inside and outside at least once a week, in places such as buckets, birdbaths, saucers under potted plants, and children's toys. 

 Invasive Aedes mosquitoes, or “ankle biter” mosquitoes, are small black mosquitoes with white stripes on the legs and back. They bite during the day, especially around the legs and ankles. They will usually bite multiple times.

Invasive Aedes mosquitoes were introduced to California. They can carry viruses like Zika, Dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. So far, we have not seen mosquitoes spreading these diseases to people in San Diego County.

A mosquito has four stages of life:

1. Egg: Once laid in water, eggs will hatch in 2 to 3 days. Invasive Aedes eggs can survive over a year in dry containers, and hatch when water is added. 

2. Larva: Mosquito larva looks like a tiny wiggling worm in the water.

3. Pupa: A larva becomes a pupa and the adult mosquito develops inside. Mosquitoes can go from egg to adult in less than 1 week during periods of warm weather. 

4. Adult: Adult female mosquitoes bite and drink blood. The average mosquito will live for about 2 weeks.