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Aedes albopictus
Asian Tiger Mosquito

Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito)

Aedes albopictus

Identifying feature for Aedes albopictus

Single silvery, white line on
the top of the mosquito

In 1986, the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was discovered in Jacksonville in a pile of tires. Since that time, it has spread throughout the entire county. The following information can help reduce if not eliminate the Tiger Mosquito from your property.

Description: The Asian Tiger mosquito is a small black mosquito with silvery, white accents on its thorax and legs.

Home: Aedes albopictus breeds in containers that hold water such as buckets, tires, child pools, bird baths, pet dishes, children's toys and even bromeliads. It only takes about one teaspoon of water for a larvae to live and develop into an adult mosquito! The adult mosquito does not fly far from its breeding site, maybe up to 500 feet, or two back yards.

Feeding: This mosquito is opportunistic, feeding on whatever is available, but it prefers mammals. It is also very sneaky; in most cases, you never know you are being bitten until it is too late. These mosquitoes are one of the few active during the day.

Reduction/Elimination: It is fairly easy to prevent the Asian Tiger Mosquito from breeding on your property. Dump all containers that hold water at least twice a week. If your container is large or heavy, flushing it out with clean water will help. Also scrub the sides of the containers to loosen any attached eggs, then flush with clean water.

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