These are 4 of the worst types of mosquitoes invading SC. Here’s why and how best to fight them
Mosquitoes are a problem every year in South Carolina. But did you know there are many types, some worse than others?
There are at least 61 different species of mosquitoes that buzz around South Carolina every year, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. The pesky insects cause annoying, itchy bites, but the real problem is their potential to carry and spread diseases. Only certain species of mosquitoes carry diseases though.
Here are four of the worst species of mosquitoes in South Carolina because of their aggressiveness and or ability to carry dangerous diseases.
Asian tiger mosquito
Asian tiger mosquitoes can be identified by their black and white markings. They also have a single silvery-white line on the backs of their torsos.
The species originated in Southeast Asia but have have spread through the U.S. over the last 50 years.
Asian tiger mosquitoes are among the more prevalent biting species in South Carolina. They can transmit pathogens and viruses like the West Nile Virus and can cause heartworm in dogs and cats.
According to the American Mosquito Control Association, Asian tiger mosquitoes are difficult to control because of their ability to adapt to environments and their unique habit of flying and feeding in the day time, making them hard to treat with traditional insecticide spraying.
Aedes aegypti mosquito
The Aedes aegypti mosquito, also called the yellow fever mosquito, originated in Africa and were transported to America by European explorers. They can be identified by the unique silvery-white scale bands on their legs and their U-shaped abdomens.
They are known to transmit several diseases, including the Zika virus, Dengue fever, Mayaro and Yellow fever.
Anopheles quadrimaculatus mosquito
The anopheles quadrimaculatus, also referred to as the quads mosquito, prefers to lay its eggs individually near rivers, ponds and lakes while surrounded by thick vegetation, Palmetto Mosquito Control states. The species is often found together in vast numbers and is mostly active in the evening hours.
The mosquito’s name, quadrimaculatus, is Latin for “four-spotted,” and refers to the scaly pattern on its wings, which creates four distinct patches that can be seen by the naked eye.
It is known to transmit the West Nile virus, Malaria and heartworm.
Southern house mosquito
The southern house mosquito is among the most common type found in the U.S. It is a medium-sized, brown mosquito that lives throughout the southern U.S. states. It prefers to feed at night and can spread diseases such as Lymphatic filariasis, St. Louis encephalitis, Zika and the West Nile virus.
How to control mosquitoes in your yard
Ridding your property of mosquitoes starts with eliminating places where they lay their eggs.
Remove any containers or pools of stagnant water from your property, as they are ideal breeding spots for mosquitoes.
Tightly cover water storage containers so mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
Fill tree holes to prevent them from filling with water.
If you have a septic tank, repair any cracks or gaps.
You can also use larvicides to treat large bodies of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped.
Use outdoor adulticide to kill adult mosquitoes where they rest, which include dark and humid areas like under patio furniture or under the garage.
How to control mosquitoes in your home
Use an indoor insect fogger or indoor insect spray to kill mosquitoes. Only using insecticide will not keep your home free of mosquitoes.
Use window and door screens and make sure they’re in good condition.
Kill mosquitoes where they rest, which includes dark and humid places like under sinks, in closets, under furniture and laundry rooms.
