Aedes Mosquito

Since Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day and breed in man-made containers near homes, prevention focuses heavily on eliminating their breeding habitat.

Key Facts About the Aedes Mosquito

Here are the essential facts about the Aedes mosquito, known as the "Daytime Danger":

• Disease Spread: Transmits serious viruses like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.

• Biting Time: Primarily bites during the daytime (early morning and late afternoon).

• Appearance: Distinctive black and white stripes on its legs and body.

• Resting Posture: Rests flat/parallel to the surface it lands on.

• Breeding Spot: Prefers clean, still water in artificial containers (tires, flower pots, buckets) near homes.

1.  Ditch the Water

This is the single most important step. Aedes rarely flies far from where it hatched, so if you eliminate standing water, you eliminate the threat.

• Tip and Toss: Every week, empty or turn over anything outside that can hold water: plant pot saucers, buckets, discarded tires, pet bowls, bird baths, and unused containers.

• Cover: Tightly cover all water storage containers, barrels, and cisterns to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

• Clean: Scrub the insides of containers before refilling them to remove mosquito eggs stuck to the sides.

2.  Dress for Protection

• Wear long sleeves and long pants, especially during the hours they are most active (morning and late afternoon).

• Choose light-colored clothing, as dark colors tend to attract mosquitoes more.

3.  Defend with Repellent

• Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing. Follow product instructions carefully.

• Reapply repellent as recommended, especially after swimming or sweating.

4.  Drain and Seal Entry Points

• Ensure windows and doors have tight-fitting screens and fix any holes in them.

• Use air conditioning when available, as mosquitoes prefer warmer, humid environments.