Many different species of mosquitoes act as vectors for diseases. Some species are vectors for several diseases while other species carry different diseases; some diseases may be carried by more than one species. This section looks at the mosquito species known to occur in the Greater El Paso Region. Focus is on Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus; other species captured during the 2013 season were Aedes dorsalis, Aedes sollicitans, Aedes vexans, Anopheles pseudopunctipennis, Culiseta inornata , and Psorophora columbiae.
The following is slightly altered from a fact sheet provided by the Dengue Branch of the Centers for Disease Control.
The female Aedes aegypti mosquito lays eggs in containers with water and plants near the home. It bites people and animals. This species can survive year round in tropical and subtropical climates.
Aedes aegypti is a small, dark mosquito with white lyre shaped markings and banded legs. They prefer to bite indoors and primarily bite humans. These mosquitoes can use natural locations or habitats (for example tree holes and plant axils) and artificial containers with water to lay their eggs. They lay eggs during the day in water containing organic material (e.g., decaying leaves, algae, etc.) in containers with wide openings and prefer dark-colored containers located in the shade. About 3 days after feeding on blood, the mosquito lays her eggs inside a container just above the water line. Eggs are laid over a period of several days, are resistant to desiccation and can survive for periods of 6 or more months. When rain floods the eggs with water, the larvae hatch. Generally larvae feed upon small aquatic organisms, algae, and particles of plant and animal material in water-filled containers. The entire immature or aquatic cycle (i.e., from egg to adult) can occur in as little as 7-8 days. The life span for adult mosquitoes is around 3 weeks. Egg production sites are within or in close proximity to households. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes do not remain alive through the winter in the egg stage in colder climates.
Most frequently found in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, Aedes aegypti historically is considered to be a primary vector of viral diseases such as the dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Aedes aegypti is extremely common in areas lacking piped water systems and depend greatly on water storage containers to lay their eggs. Male and female adults feed on nectar of plants; however, female mosquitoes need blood in order to produce eggs, and are active in the daytime. Eggs have the ability to survive drying for long periods of time, allowing eggs to be easily spread to new locations. Artificial or natural water containers (water storage containers, flower pots, discarded tires, plates under potted plants, cemetery vases, flower pots, buckets, tin cans, clogged rain gutters, ornamental fountains, drums, water bowls for pets, birdbaths, etc.) that are within or close to places where humans live are ideally larval habitats for this mosquito. This species has also been found in underground collections of water such as open or unsealed septic tanks, storm drains, wells, and water meters.
Aedes aegypti bites primarily during the day. This species is most active for approximately 2 hours after sunrise and several hours before sunset, but it can bite at night in well-lit areas. This mosquito can bite people without being noticed because it approaches from behind and bites on the ankles and elbows. Aedes aegypti prefers biting people, but it also bites dogs and other domestic animals, mostly mammals. Only females bite to obtain blood necessary for egg development.
To control the mosquito population, check your yard weekly for water-filled containers. Throw away or recycle water-holding containers that are not needed. If empty containers or large objects, such as boats or old appliances must be stored, they should be covered, turned over or placed under a roof that does not allow them to fill with water. Clean and scrub bird baths and pet-watering dishes weekly and dump the water from overflow dishes under potted plants and flower pots. Check that gutters are not holding water and cover rain barrels with tight screening so that mosquitoes cannot enter. Fill tree holes and other cavities in plants with sand or soil. Check for hidden bodies of water such as wells, septic tanks, manholes, clogged drains, etc. Call the health authorities when you detect unusual numbers of mosquitoes.
Use personal protection to avoid mosquito bites. Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active. Apply repellants such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, or IR3535 only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not use repellants under clothing. In addition to wearing repellant, you can protect yourself and your family by taking these precautions: Use mosquito netting over infant carriers, cribs and strollers. Install or repair window and door screens to keep out mosquitoes.
Aedes aegypti is common and widespread throughout the region.