Correctly ID mosquitoes before inspecting or implementing any treatment

Neogen

In North America, the two main genera of nuisance mosquitoes are Culex and Aedes. Correctly identifying these mosquitoes is important before inspecting or implementing any treatment, as each genus has different behaviors and breeding habitats. For example, Culex spp. are the most active at dusk and dawn, while Aedes spp. are more aggressive during daylight hours.

Culex spp. are characterized by their light brown color and are commonly found in stagnant, polluted waters, such as storm drains and sewage systems. They lay their eggs in raft-like clusters on small ponds and other bodies of water.

Aedes spp. are distinguishable by their black-and-white patterns and prefer freshwater environments. Their eggs are laid individually in areas such as smaller outdoor containers or on tree branches, typically hatching after rainfall.

Accurately identifying the mosquito genus and, ideally, species can help guide you to the appropriate inspections and inform treatment strategies. It also is crucial for finding the breeding site(s).