Are Mosquitoes Bad in Hawaii?
WouterConsidering that mosquitoes were first brought to Hawaii by European settlers in the 19th century, you might be asking yourself, “are mosquitoes bad in Hawaii?” These nocturnal insects can cause serious diseases to spread. They carry a range of diseases including dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika.
Currently, there are eight different species of mosquitos in Hawaii. While a few are native to the islands, the most common species are invasive.
Aedes aegypti, or the yellow fever mosquito, is the most common species. This day-biting mosquito has become a pest in urban areas of Hawaii. Its main habitat is in the southern part of the island. It bites around two hours before sunrise.
Culex quinquefasciatus, or the southern house mosquito, is a nocturnal bug that has been in Hawaii since 1826. It is a vector for avian pox, an infectious disease that is deadly to birds. It also carries avian malaria.
While mosquitoes have been around for millions of years, the first human beings lived on Earth for only 100,000 years. As humans moved into the Hawaiian islands, they quickly bred and spread throughout the tropical climate. The warm, moist atmosphere made it easy for these creatures to survive.
The smallest puddle in a parking lot is an ideal place for the mosquito larvae to thrive. It is important to keep drains plugged and to remove standing water from outdoor areas.
One of the most dangerous mosquitoes is the Asian Tiger Mosquito. This species can spread Yellow fever and other diseases. It has the ability to swarm in large numbers and can travel miles from its origin.
