The Asian tiger mosquito (A. albopictus) is a member of the Aedes genus, which includes several species that work as vectors in the transmission of diseases. Like most Aedes species, tiger mosquitoes lay their eggs in the water, where they spend their larval stage. They are found in subtropical and tropical urban and forested habitats. The tiger mosquito was introduced to the United States in the 1980s, with the importation of used tires from Asia.
Habitat
Tiger mosquitoes are known as a "container breeders," because they lay their eggs in standing water, often found in small ponds, old tires, vases, clogged gutters, leaves, bamboo stumps and tree holes. Unlike many mosquito species, tiger mosquitoes do not live in swamps, marshes and lakes during their larval stage. In the past, the tiger mosquito was found in the forested areas of Asia. However, the tiger mosquito has adapted to the presence of humans, taking advantage of the abundant water-holding containers they provide. Tiger mosquitoes can be found in any water-holding structures in urban, rural and forested areas of most continents.
Geographic Distribution
The tiger mosquito is native to Asia and the Pacific islands, but is widely distributed to tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America, Europe and Africa. In the United States, the species was first documented in 1985 in Texas. The Asian tiger mosquito is widespread in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, from Florida to northern Maryland and Delaware. It is also found as far west as Illinois, Nebraska and Minnesota.
Disease Vector
The Asian tiger mosquito is a vector of more than 30 viruses, most of which attack animals, such as Eastern equine encephalitis, LaCrosse encephalitis and West Nile fever. As a member of the genus Aedes, the tiger mosquito can also transmit the dengue virus, although it is not the disease's major vector. The tiger mosquito can also transmit canine heartworm.
Controlling the Tiger Mosquito
The removal of mosquito breeding habitats, often found near homes, is the most effective method for controlling populations of tiger mosquitoes. Changing the water in flower vases and bird baths frequently and preventing water from accumulating in buckets, tires, rain barrels, gutters or other containers can also reduce tiger mosquito populations. Insecticides are available that kill adult mosquitoes, as well as alcohol-based water surface films that suffocate larvae before they reach the surface. Bacterial preparations kill the larvae without harming the environment.
Tags: tiger mosquito, Asian tiger, Asian tiger mosquito, also transmit, forested areas, Habitat Tiger