Super Nova Pest Control

Mosquitoes

Types of Mosquitoes in Idaho

Idaho, with its diverse landscape ranging from arid deserts to lush forests, provides a variety of habitats for different species of mosquitoes. Understanding the types of mosquitoes in Idaho is essential for effective control and prevention of mosquito-borne diseases. This article explores the common mosquito species found in Idaho, their characteristics, and the potential health risks they pose.

CULEX MOSQUITOES

Characteristics

Culex mosquitoes are among the most common types found in Idaho. They are medium-sized, brown mosquitoes known for their propensity to breed in stagnant water. These mosquitoes are active during the evening and night, often found in urban and suburban areas.

Health Risks

Culex mosquitoes are significant carriers of the West Nile virus. In Idaho, West Nile virus cases often spike during the warmer months when Culex populations are at their peak. These mosquitoes can also transmit St. Louis encephalitis, a rare but serious illness.

Aedes MOSQUITOES

Characteristics

Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes vexans and Aedes aegypti, are prevalent in Idaho. They are recognizable by their black and white markings and are aggressive daytime biters. Aedes mosquitoes prefer to breed in artificial containers, making urban environments ideal for their proliferation.

Health Risks

Aedes mosquitoes are vectors for several diseases, including dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. While these diseases are not commonly transmitted in Idaho, the presence of Aedes mosquitoes poses a potential risk, especially with increasing travel and climate changes.

Anopheles MOSQUITOES

Characteristics

Anopheles mosquitoes are less common in Idaho compared to Culex and Aedes species. They are identifiable by their pale and dark wing patterns and their habit of resting at an angle when feeding. Anopheles mosquitoes breed in clean, slow-moving water bodies.

Health Risks

Anopheles mosquitoes are primary carriers of malaria. Although malaria transmission is not currently a concern in Idaho, the presence of Anopheles mosquitoes necessitates ongoing monitoring and control efforts to prevent any potential outbreaks.

coquillettidia MOSQUITOES

Characteristics

Coquillettidia mosquitoes are relatively rare in Idaho but are noteworthy due to their unique breeding habits. They lay their eggs in aquatic plants, and the larvae attach to the roots of these plants to breathe. These mosquitoes are active during dusk and dawn.

Health Risks

While not significant carriers of human diseases, Coquillettidia mosquitoes can transmit eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) to horses. Given the rural and agricultural regions in Idaho, monitoring this mosquito species is important to protect livestock.

Tips to Reduce Exposure Mosquito Bites and Illness

Effective mosquito control in Idaho involves a combination of public education, habitat reduction, and chemical treatments. Residents can reduce mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water, using insect repellents, and ensuring window screens are intact. Local health departments often conduct aerial spraying and larviciding to control mosquito populations.

Avoid being outside without protection during the early dawn and twilight hours

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors

Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET or an equivalent when outside and use caution when applying to children

Most mosquito complaints from homeowners can be traced to the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus, pictured above), that is one of Idaho worst mosquito pests. She has an aggressive biting habit.
She is also the easiest mosquito to control. All mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs, and the Asian tiger mosquito prefers to lay its eggs inside containers that hold water. These can be man-made containers such as tires, tin cans, buckets, bird baths or clogged gutters. They will also lay eggs in natural containers, such as holes in trees or rocks. The best way to control this mosquito around homes and businesses is to get rid of containers that can hold water.

The best way to stop mosquitoes from breeding is to get rid of the water they breed in. You can help by:

Tipping and tossing standing water in:

pet bowls

planters

birdbaths

buckets

wading pools
tire swings

Throwing out empty bottles, cans, used tires and other garbage that water can collect in.
Turning over buckets, planters, wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use.
Keeping your home repaired:
Clean rain gutters so that water flows freely
Fix dripping hoses and faucets
Repair septic problems
Make sure water drains from ditches
Check sprinkler systems for standing water
Covering rain barrels with screens and seal openings around pipes, door screens, etc., with rubber gaskets or caulking.
Treating standing water.If you cannot drain standing water, treat it with a chemical larvicide such as Mosquito Dunks.These are put in standing water and work by not letting mosquito eggs hatch. You can buy them at your hardware or garden store. Follow the product label.
Buying pond fish. These are fish that eat a lot of insect eggs in ponds. You can buy them at pet stores. Be careful not to put these fish into water that drains into streams or rivers. They can harm other fish and wildlife.
Thinning shrubs and cutting down tall grass and weeds will also help reduce mosquitoes as they inhabit cool, shady areas to escape hot temperatures that can be deadly to mosquitoes. Mosquitos love English Ivy!
Adding a bat box. Bat boxes are homes for bats. One bat can eat up to 600 mosquitoes in one hour!

Understanding the types of mosquitoes in Idaho and their associated health risks is crucial for effective prevention and control. By taking proactive measures and staying informed, residents can protect themselves and their communities from mosquito-borne diseases. Regular monitoring and public awareness are key components in managing the mosquito populations and ensuring public health in Idaho.

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