Invasive Aedes Awareness Day

What is Invasive Aedes Awareness Day?

No, this is not a time to celebrate invasive Aedes mosquitoes. On September 22, and every day, we increase attention around the types of mosquito that can greatly affect human health, commerce and standard of living.

In Southern California, the species people have come to know as "ankle biters" are Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti, and Aedes notoscriptus.

Did you know that most of the Aedes activity in a community comes from residential backyards? 🏡

Invasive Aedes (pronounced "aid-dees") mosquitoes are aggressive, black-and-white insects that thrive in our cities. They've been nicknamed "ankle biters" due to their behavior of biting people near the feet. In reality, they can bite anywhere there is exposed skin. In San Gabriel Valley (Los Angeles County), Aedes mosquitoes are most active between the months of August and October.

May contain: insect, animal, invertebrate, and mosquito — Image of a female Aedes mosquito - ONLY FEMALES BITE.

Aedes love human blood 🩸, but they love our homes more!

Our communities and homes provide the perfect hang out spots and breeding sources, too. After taking our blood, female mosquitoes (Like Ada Eez) search for stagnant water 💦 to lay their eggs!

Aedes mosquitoes are efficient at transmitting (spreading) several human arboviruses including chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika.

person in Mosquito costume waving — Ada Eez, World Famous Aedes Mosquito

How Did Invasive Aedes Mosquitoes Get Here? 🤷🏽‍♂️

Invasive Aedes mosquitoes invaded the region through human trade and travel. This means people moved the eggs around in containers. When the container refilled with water, the eggs hatched, producing another generation of mosquitoes!

In 2011, our staff identified a thriving population of Aedes albopictus (one type of Aedes mosquito) in San Gabriel Valley. Since then, Aedes aegypti and Aedes notoscriptus have taken hold of our neighborhoods increasing the risk of canine heartworm, Zika, dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya.

May contain: animal, insect, and invertebrate — Image of Aedes eggs, which are laid individually on plants & containers.

How to Get Rid of Invasive Aedes Mosquitoes? 🦟

May contain: advertisement, poster, and text

Learn more: Tip, Toss, Protect to stop mosquitoes!

Continue learning: How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes?

🖋 Written by Ally Gaspar, Outreach Assistant

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