Home > Most Important Mosquito Species in Santa Cruz County
MOST IMPORTANT MOSQUITO SPECIES IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
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Home > Most Important Mosquito Species in Santa Cruz County
MOST IMPORTANT MOSQUITO SPECIES IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY |
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Aedes sierrensis (Tree hole mosquito)This species breeds in tree holes (rot cavities or depressions in trees which hold water). If near trees and partially filled with organic debris, containers such as tires and buckets may produce these mosquitoes. The eggs hatch when the tree hole or container fills with water. The adults hatch in March and remain in the area until early summer. This mosquito has a short flight range, is an aggressive biter, and is the primary vector of canine heartworm in Santa Cruz County. It is found in any area where suitable tree holes are found. |
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Aedes squamiger (Winter salt marsh mosquito)This species is produced in the tidal marshes along the coast, primarily near Pajaro Dunes. The eggs are laid on the marsh in the spring and hatch as soon as winter rains fill the marsh. Adults emerge the following spring. Most of the control effort occurs during the winter. Control is by spraying with biorational materials. Many of the marsh sources are ecologically sensitive areas requiring coordination with other agencies. Adults can fly long distances. The adult is a very aggressive biter and is very noticeable to the public. |
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Aedes
washinoi (Woodland pond mosquito)This mosquito is produced in woodland
depressions that fill with water and in the Watsonville Slough System. Most
aerial applications are undertaken to control this mosquito during the winter
months. Eggs are laid on the mud and organic material along the edges of
receding water in these areas. Adults are generally present in the early
spring, are very aggressive, and may be found in large numbers. Most of
control effort on this species is by use of biorational materials and mosquitofish.
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Culex
erythrothorax (Tule mosquito)This species breeds in tule marshes throughout
the District, but especially in the Watsonville Slough system. Larvae overwinter
and emerge as adults during the spring and summer months. This species is
capable of reaching extremely high numbers, but does not cause considerable
nuisance to the public as it is not an aggressive biter and does not venture
far from the marsh. Control is undertaken using biorational materials in
granular or pellet form when numbers are relatively high in sources close
to populated areas.
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Culex
pipiens (Northern house mosquito)This species causes the largest number
of service requests and is generally an urban problem. The adult can be
found all year and breeds in storm drains, catch basins, utility vaults,
septic tanks, flooded basements, sumps, and in just about any water container
found near humans. The adult readily enters homes and bites at night. Because
of the type and variety of breeding sources, it can take many hours to locate
the cause of a problem. Continual treatment and monitoring of sources is
required to maintain control of these mosquitoes. Calls from the public
are vital in locating sources.
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Culex
tarsalis (Encephalitis mosquito)This mosquito is produced in rain pools,
marshes, swimming pools, ponds, and other fresh water sources. Although
this species does not produce a large number of the District's service requests,
it requires a large part of the control effort to prevent the spread of
encephalitis in Santa Cruz County. This species feeds primarily on birds
and is only moderately aggressive towards man. Culex tarsalis is capable
of reaching very high numbers. Control is by application of biorational
materials and mosquito fish stocking.
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Culiseta
incidens (Cool weather mosquito)This mosquito is produced in fishponds,
creeks, and containers. Small sources can produce sufficient numbers to
cause discomfort in a neighborhood. This mosquito is moderately aggressive,
bites in the evening or shade, and is very noticeable because of its large
size. It is primarily a problem of urban and suburban areas. Control is
by use of biorational larvicides and mosquitofish.
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Culiseta
inornata (Winter marsh mosquito)Females of this species rest during
the summer and become active in the fall after the first rains. Eggs are
laid on the surface of rain filled ponds in the fall. Many generations can
be produced in one season. This mosquito bites at dusk in the fall and spring
and is moderately aggressive, quite large, and may reach very high numbers.
It is very noticeable to the public because of its size and activity. This
species is generally found close to temporary fresh water sources. Most
of the control effort is by using biorational materials.
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Culiseta
particeps Larvae of this mosquito occur in shaded clear pools containing
algae, leaves, and other debris. Overwintering as adult females, this species
becomes active during the early spring through fall. Females prefer large
mammals and may feed on man in shaded places. This species occurs in shaded
drainages from Freedom to the north coast section of Santa Cruz County.
Adults can reach high numbers in localized areas and cause problems in some
suburban neighborhoods. Like the other members of this genus occuring in
this area, it is a large species. Control is through the use of biorational
materials and source modification.
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