Mosquito Infestations Grow in Southern California

Summer mosquito season in California is turning out to be a doozy this year. The Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District is reporting record numbers of these annoying pests, saying “residents of Southern California don’t stand a biting chance.” Here are some of the reasons:

Climate change is creating conditions in which mosquitoes thrive. A longer, hotter summer season with greater humidity makes the region a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
A newish, invasive species of mosquito originating in Asia and Africa called Aedes is growing in numbers.
Lush landscaping practices in California provide mosquitoes with a desirable habitat. They love to rest in shady areas of tall grasses and bushes where there is limited airflow to disturb them.

Culex or Aedes?

Culex mosquitoes are your regular run-of-the-mill and native to California mosquitoes that are out distributing mosquito bites around sunset. Aedes mosquitoes were first noticed in California several years ago. These mosquitoes are ankle biters, known to bite multiple times in one sitting. In addition, they are daytime mosquitoes.

University of California Professor Alec Gerry notes that it may not be that the mosquito population has grown but that the habits of this new invasive species make mosquitoes more noticeable.

Both mosquitoes are more than just an annoyance to try to avoid. The Culex mosquito is known for spreading West Nile Virus. Aedes mosquitoes can potentially transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.

Mosquito Control

There are some things residents can do to make the area surrounding your home less attractive to mosquitoes and an inhospitable place to breed. But, when mosquitoes are everywhere, it’s best to seek professional help.

Ecola advises: