Asian Tiger Mosquito
Aedes albopictus
Scientific illustration for identification purposes
Overview
Asian tiger mosquitoes are aggressive day-biting mosquitoes with distinctive black and white striped bodies. They are invasive disease vectors that can transmit Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and other viruses. They breed in small water containers around homes.
How to Identify
- Black body with bright white stripes
- White stripe down center of head and thorax
- Banded legs
- Aggressive day-time biter
- Smaller than common house mosquitoes
Behavior
Unlike many mosquitoes, Asian tiger mosquitoes bite during the day, particularly during early morning and late afternoon. They are aggressive and persistent biters. They do not fly far from breeding sites.
Habitat
Breed in small containers of water including tires, flower pots, buckets, bird baths, and clogged gutters. Stay close to their breeding sites and rarely fly more than 200 meters.
Diet
Females require blood meals for egg development. Both sexes feed on plant nectar.
Reproduction
Eggs are laid just above the water line in containers. Eggs can survive dry conditions for months and hatch when flooded. Development from egg to adult takes 7-10 days in warm weather.
Distribution in the Southern U.S.
Established throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Regional Notes
Asian tiger mosquitoes have become the dominant container-breeding mosquito in urban areas of the South. Their day-biting behavior makes them particularly annoying.
Signs of Infestation
- Aggressive biting during daylight hours
- Black and white striped mosquitoes
- Mosquitoes around containerized water
- Bites occurring close to home
- Multiple bites in quick succession
Prevention Tips
- Eliminate standing water weekly
- Empty flower pot saucers and bird baths
- Clean clogged gutters
- Store containers upside down
- Dispose of old tires
- Treat standing water with larvicide if cannot be drained
When to Contact a Professional
Contact a professional for mosquito control programs including barrier treatments, larvicide applications, and breeding site identification.
Romex Pest Control provides professional asian tiger mosquito control services across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Learn about our asian tiger mosquito control servicesFrequently Asked Questions
Why do Asian tiger mosquitoes bite during the day?
Asian tiger mosquitoes are naturally day-active, unlike many common mosquitoes that bite at dawn and dusk. They bite most aggressively in the morning and late afternoon.
What diseases can Asian tiger mosquitoes transmit?
Asian tiger mosquitoes can transmit Zika virus, dengue, chikungunya, and other viruses. While these diseases are not common in the US, the mosquito is a competent vector if exposed to infected travelers.
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