TOP ELEVEN PEST- Mosquitoes
General Information:
Responsibility for
Mosquito Control -
Everyone is responsible for eliminating and preventing mosquito breeding on their property. Chapter 111, Regulation 2 of the Maricopa County Health Code states:
"All mosquitoes must have water to complete their life
cycle. Stagnant water left from monsoon rains can increase mosquito activity. Rain and irrigation water can produce hundreds of thousands of mosquitoes if
larva are allowed to stand as little as three days. In areas where ponding cannot be prevented, the water can be treated within 24 to 48 hours to kill the developing mosquitoes before the biting adults can start emerging."
Here are a few tips from Maricopa County's Vector Control program on what you can do to treat and eliminate mosquito breeding:
- Drain weekly all animal watering troughs, bird baths, pet watering dishes, etc.
- Repair water leaks, sprinkler systems and coolers that cause water to pond.
- Remove vegetation and floating debris in and around ponds and stagnant swimming pools to limit breeding potential. Also, you may want to consider adding mosquito-eating fish called gambusia. The fish are available free of charge from the Vector Control office. Just call (602) 506-0700 to schedule a pickup time.
- Fill in low spots, control the irrigation in your yard or pastures, and drain standing water from buckets and other containers that can collect water on your property.
- Source reduction is generally preferred, however, other organic treatments may be needed on a temporary problem or on a site that cannot be eliminated.
- Backyard Checklist: Here are some things you can do around your house to prevent mosquitoes from breeding as well as how to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Plus some first aids tips if you or your family get bitten. Get your checklist here!
Mosquitoes in Maricopa County
Mosquitoes have a serious
impact on the health, comfort, and economic welfare of people. Some species...
...transmit diseases to man and animals. In Maricopa County, there is particular concern with mosquito-borne encephalitis (sleeping sickness) as well as other viruses. (Download a short Mosquito-Borne Viruses list.)
Large numbers of mosquitoes interfere with outdoor work and recreation, cause livestock to lose weight, and lower property values.
There are 2 main types of mosquitoes in Maricopa County: stagnant water mosquitoes (Culex mosquitoes) and intermittent water mosquitoes (flood water mosquitoes).
| Culex Tarsalis Part of the Culex Mosquito family. | Culex Quinquefasiatus Part of the Culex Mosquito family. | Call Us for control: 602-923-1457 |
Stagnant Water Mosquitoes (two kinds)
Culex Tarsalis
This is the most important mosquito of arboviruses in western North America. Responsible for maintenance, amplification
and epidemic transmission of Western Equine, and
St Louis viruses in irrigated and
riparian habitats. Also capable of transmitting: Venezuelan Equine,
Japanese Encephalitis, Murray Valley,
West Nile and many others. (Download a short Mosquito-Borne Viruses list.) Larval habitat is usually among surface water pools that are frequently surrounded by
grasses and annual vegetation and agricultural tail water. Larval development 7 days to 4 weeks depending on temperature and food supply. Females feed
mostly on birds shortly after sunset. Flight range up to 17 miles.
Culex quinquefasiatus
The southern house mosquito is found throughout the southern half of the United States. Its Latin name refers to five lines that can be seen on the
length of the body. This mosquito prefers to lay eggs in small pools of water, and can utilize water that is polluted with organic material. This
mosquito enters houses readily, hence its common name. It can be an annoying pest at night, not only because of its bite but also because of its
high-pitched buzz. The southern house mosquito can transmit nematodes which cause dog heartworm and viruses causing encephalitis.
Some typical breeding sites for both
Culex mosquitoes are tin cans, old tires,
decorative ponds, bird baths, horse troughs, overgrown ditches, unmaintained
swimming pools, open septic tanks, sewage and industrial waste ponds where
she lays her eggs in a cluster directly on the surface of the standing water.
Her continuous reproduction cycle last for as long as water stands and conditions remain favorable.
Learn some ways to treat the breeding site if source reduction doesn't work.
The adult's main habit can be found in shrubbery and other cool sheltered places.
They are also know to rest in open weeds and grass during the daytime.
Though they are seldom seen in the daytime, they will rise up and bite if disturbed.
Both mosquitoes are active and biting during
nighttime hours, indoors and out.
Intermittent Water Mosquitoes (two kinds)
Continued on next page... Mosquitoes in Maricopa County.
