Why Are There Mosquitoes in California?
WouterDespite the fact that California is home to many native mosquitoes, there are two invasive species of mosquitoes that have spread across the state. Both species are considered vectors, which means they can carry viruses that cause diseases. The two species are Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti. They are considered a serious threat because they can carry many viruses including Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and Yellow Fever.
California has been dealing with a two-pronged attack from mosquitoes since the gold rush days. One species, the Aedes mosquito, has become invasive in many counties. The other species, the Culex mosquito, is responsible for spreading West Nile virus.
Aedes mosquitoes live outside and prefer to bite humans. They are also known to bite during the day. They are a problem because they can carry many viruses and are difficult to control. They can also be very aggressive. They can last a year without water, and they prefer to lay their eggs in small artificial water sources.
Aedes mosquitoes were first found in Los Angeles County in 2013. They are also present in Orange County and San Gabriel Valley. They have been triggering warnings in Southern California.
California has had a native mosquito species since the gold rush days, but it’s been decimated by malaria. As a result, mosquitoes in California aren’t as plentiful as in abatement districts. It’s important to control them for public health.
During the summer months, mosquitoes tend to live in more shady areas. When the temperature cools down, they will become more active. You can control their population by eliminating standing water and by covering up.
