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Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are known for their itchy bites and their ability to transmit diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. Most species of mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk, especially the warmer months.
Effective mosquito control starts with prevention, especially in areas around stagnant water where they lay their eggs. By eliminating sources of water, you can stop mosquitoes from breeding and reproducing.
Common pest species found in New York:
Northern House Mosquito
Culex pipiens
Also known as the “common house mosquito,” northern house mosquitoes are the most prevalent species found in the northern United States.
These mosquitoes are mainly nocturnal (active throughout the night) although biting is most frequent around dusk and dawn.
They breed when temperatures rise above 50°F, laying their eggs in stagnant water.
Notable diseases they carry include West Nile and Saint Louis encephalitis.
(Photo: Donald Hobern)
Size: 1/8–1/4 inch long (3–7 mm); about the length of a flaxseed
Color: Light brown or brown
Shape: Slender, small-to-medium size body with a long abdomen, needle-like mouthparts, antennae, 6 long legs, and 1 pair of narrow wings
Legs: 6 long, thin legs that are have a uniform brown color
Antennae: About the same length as the proboscis; males have feathery antennae while females have thread-like antennae
Head: Small head with large compound eyes and a long, tube-like mouth (proboscis)
Body: Slender, elongated body with a cylindrical abdomen that has 8 segments and yellowish-brown stripes along the sides
Wings: 1 pair of long, narrow wings with dark-colored microscopic scales along the edges and veins
Asian Tiger Mosquito
Aedes albopictus
Asian tiger mosquitoes are aggressive and will try to bite their host multiple times if they’re able to.
These mosquitoes are active during the day, but biting is most frequent in the early mornings and late afternoons (around dawn and dusk).
They lay their eggs in objects that can collect water after rain, such as old tires, plant pots, and empty cans.
Notable diseases they carry include West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya.
Size: 1/8–3/8 inch long (3–10 mm); about the length of a pea
Color: Black and white
Shape: Slender, medium size body with long abdomen, needle-like mouthparts, antennae, 6 long legs, and 1 pair of narrow wings
Legs: 6 long, thin legs that are mostly black but covered in white bands, particularly on its hind legs
Antennae: About the same length as the proboscis; males have feathery antennae while females have thread-like antennae
Head: Small head with large compound eyes and a long, tube-like mouth (proboscis)
Body: Slender, elongated body covered in striking white markings; look for a characteristic white stripe running down the center line of its head and back
Wings: 1 pair of long, narrow wings with dark-colored microscopic scales along the edges and veins
Yellow Fever Mosquito
Aedes aegypti
Yellow fever mosquitoes tend to live in close proximity to people, and can be found both indoors and outdoors.
Their biting and breeding behaviors are similar to the Asian Tiger Mosquito—they are daytime biters that are most active at dawn and dusk, and they lay their eggs in water-collecting containers.
Notable diseases they carry include yellow fever virus, Zika, dengue, and chikungunya.
Size: 1/6–1/4 inch long (4–7 mm); about the length of a rice grain
Color: Dark brown to black with white markings
Shape: Slender, medium size body with long abdomen, needle-like mouthparts, antennae, 6 long legs, and 1 pair of narrow wings
Legs: 6 long, thin legs that are mostly black but covered in white bands, especially on its hind legs
Antennae: About the same length as the proboscis; males have feathery antennae while females have thread-like antennae
Head: Small head with large compound eyes and a long, tube-like mouth (proboscis)
Body: Slender, elongated body covered in white markings; look for a characteristic white lyre-shaped marking on the thorax
Wings: 1 pair of long, narrow wings with dark-colored microscopic scales along the edges and veins
Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquito
Aedes sollicitans
Eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes are usually encountered in areas along the East Coast.
Their main breeding sites are coastal salt marshes, where they lay their eggs in moist soil just above water level. They are strong fliers and can travel more than 30 miles from their breeding sites.
Biting happens most frequently at dawn and dusk, although these mosquitoes may also bite during the day when disturbed.
Notable diseases they carry include eastern equine encephalitis and dog heartworm.
(Photo: Josh Emm)
Size: 1/8–1/4 inch long (3–7 mm); about the length of a rice grain
Color: Golden brown
Shape: Slender, medium size body with long abdomen, needle-like mouthparts, antennae, 6 long legs, and 1 pair of narrow wings
Legs: 6 long, thin legs that are dark-colored and covered in pale bands; the middle section of each leg is yellow
Antennae: About the same length as the proboscis; males have feathery antennae while females have thread-like antennae
Head: Small head with large compound eyes and a long, tube-like mouth (proboscis) with a pale band around the middle
Body: Slender, elongated, golden-brown body speckled with dark and light markings; abdomen has yellowish bands on the sides; look for a pale, yellowish stripe running down its back
Wings: 1 pair of long, narrow wings that are smoky gray and speckled with dark and pale scales
Common Malaria Mosquito
Anopheles quadrimaculatus
Common malaria mosquitoes are primarily found in the eastern and southeastern parts of the United States. They are the only species of mosquito that carries malaria.
These mosquitoes are active throughout the night, although biting is most frequent around dusk and dawn.
They lay their eggs on the surface of stagnant water, often in freshwater areas like ponds, streams, birdbaths, kiddie pools, and pet water bowls.
(Photo: Josh Emm)
Size: 1/6–1/5 inch long (4–5 mm); about the length of a pencil eraser
Color: Light-to-dark brown
Shape: Slender, medium size body with long abdomen, needle-like mouthparts, antennae, 6 long legs, and 1 pair of narrow wings
Legs: 6 long, thin legs that mostly dark-colored with tiny white spots on its joints
Antennae: About the same length as the proboscis; males have feathery, golden-colored antennae while females have thread-like antennae
Head: Small head with large compound eyes and a long, tube-like mouth (proboscis)
Body: Slender, elongated dark brown body covered in tiny yellow hairs; look for its distinct resting position with the abdomen pointed up in the air at about a 45° angle
Wings: 1 pair of long, narrow wings that are brown-colored with 4 dark spots
