Mosquitoes
ID, repel, and eliminate
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September 10th, 2025
September 10th, 2025
Aedes taeniorhynchus. Wikimedia Commons.
The black salt marsh mosquito (Aedes taeniorhynchus) is a common species found along coastal regions, particularly in salt marshes, mangroves, and brackish wetlands in the Americas. It has a signature dark coloration and narrow white bands on its legs. This mosquito is well adapted to breeding in salty or brackish water, often laying eggs in areas that are periodically flooded by tides. The eggs can remain dormant for months until conditions are right, allowing populations to surge after heavy rains or tidal flooding. Because of their adaptability, black salt marsh mosquitoes are abundant in many coastal environments and can travel upwards of 20 miles from their breeding grounds in search of blood.
Aedes taeniorhynchus is a nuisance species because of its aggressive biting behavior, often swarming in large numbers and feeding on both humans and animals. This makes it a major pest in coastal communities, particularly during the warmer months. Additionally, the species is medically significant as a potential vector of several diseases, including Venezuelan equine encephalitis, dog heartworm, and West Nile. On the other hand, black salt marsh mosquitoes are also part of the food web, serving as prey for fish, birds, and other insects. Their abundance reflects the productivity of salt marsh ecosystems, even as they pose challenges for human health and comfort.
July 10th, 2025
Anopheles punctipennis. Wikimedia Commons.
Anopheles punctipennis is one of the more widespread anopheline (marsh) mosquitoes in Connecticut, often found breeding in slow-moving streams, ponds, and other freshwater habitats. It is primarily a nuisance biter, feeding on both humans and animals. Although it is not a significant vector today, it is known to be capable of transmitting dog heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). It also has the potential to transmit malaria, though this disease has widely been eliminated from the United States.
July 10th, 2025
Coquillettidia perturbans. Wikimedia Commons.
Coquillettidia perturbans is a distinctive mosquito known for its larvae’s ability to attach to aquatic plant roots to obtain oxygen, allowing it to thrive in densely vegetated wetlands. In Connecticut, this species is an important vector of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, a rare but serious disease affecting both humans and horses. Its aggressive biting behavior and ability to feed on both birds (which serve as virus reservoirs) and mammals make it an efficient bridge vector, meaning it’s capable of transmitting the virus from wildlife to people.
July 3rd, 2025
Culiseta impatiens. Wikimedia Commons.
Culiseta impatiens is a mosquito species commonly found in cool, shaded woodland swamps and forested wetlands across Connecticut. It prefers to breed in semi-permanent pools and boggy habitats. While it is generally not regarded as a major vector of human disease, it has been found to feed on birds and mammals, suggesting a possible—but minor—role in enzootic (animal-based) transmission cycles of arboviruses. However, its impact on public health in Connecticut remains limited compared to more prominent vector species.
June 27th, 2025
Wyeomyia smithii, F. Wikimedia Commons.
Wyeomyia smithii, the pitcher plant mosquito, is a mosquito that completes its pre-adult life cycle in the pitcher of the purple pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea. W. Smithii is the apex predator in this microcommunity, and is not typically a pest. The northern US population does not consume blood at all, while the southern US populations are disinterested in feeding, only consuming blood after laying an initial egg batch. It is the only known mosquito to have both obligatory biting and non-biting populations in the same species.
The adult female lays her eggs in the pitcher of a purple pitcher plant in either late spring or early fall. The eggs then remain in the pitcher plant anywhere from 1–8 days before hatching. Upon hatching, they feed on bacteria, micro-animals, and decaying insects in the pitcher. The mosquito larvae will live in the pitcher plant until it goes through its fifth instar, which is the period between two molts of an insect, about 20 to 22 days after hatching. They then emerge as adult mosquitoes. Wyeomyia smithii females will produce a clutch of fertilized eggs generally within two days of sexual maturity. Some populations in the southern United States have also been known to drink blood after producing their first clutch to help produce a second clutch; there are no reports of northern populations displaying this behavior, however.
June 17th, 2025
Overview of Mosquitoes in Connecticut
Aedes Species:
Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito): This invasive species, identifiable by its tiger-like stripes, has been expanding its range northward in Connecticut. It’s active during the day and feeds primarily on mammals, making it a significant nuisance pest in yards. While not currently a major vector of diseases in Connecticut, it can transmit viruses like dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and zika.
Aedes cinereus:
This species is known for aggressive biting behavior. Most active during the evening and nighttime, it prefers wetland habitats and is a primary vector of the Ockelbo virus.
Aedes vexans (also known as the Inland Floodwater Mosquito or the Tomguito):
Only the females of this species feed on blood, while males feed exclusively on nectar, honeydew, and sap, although females do occasionally also use these energy sources. This species is found near pools and grassy areas, and its adults are active from May to October.
Culex pipiens (Northern house mosquito)
The most common “house” mosquito in temperate regions, prolific around urban storm drains and standing water. A major vector of West Nile virus, it feeds on birds and mammals and thrives in warmer, wetter seasons.
Aedes stimulans (Woodland mosquito)
Active in early spring around woodland pools, this aggressive biter is widespread in CT’s shaded forests. It’s a suspected vector of dog heartworm, though not known for human disease transmission.
Aedes sollicitans (Eastern saltmarsh mosquito)
Found in coastal and salt-marsh areas, generally within 5 miles inland. Females lay eggs in saltpannes and emerge in spring–summer. Known to carry Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Venezuelan equine encephalitis.
Culex territans (Northern frog-biting mosquito)
Prefers clean vegetated ponds and overwinters in underground habitats like caves. Feeds primarily on amphibians and reptiles. Recently increasing in CT populations and potentially involved in West Nile transmission in wildlife.
Culiseta morsitans
A cold-adapted, single-generation-per-year species emerging in early spring. It’s a secondary vector for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, transmitting primarily among birds but occasionally to humans and horses.
Coquillettidia perturbans
This species breeds in swampy hardwood forests, binding larvae to plant roots. Bites mammals and birds, flies long distances, and is a recognized vector for both West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Ochlerotatus Species:
Mosquito Attractants and Eradication Methods
Attractants:
Mammalian Compounds: Research indicates that certain compounds found in mammals attract Aedes mosquitoes. More specifically:
—lactic acid
—carbon dioxide (CO2)
—body heat
—2-ketoglutaric
Other Chemicals: Studies have identified other chemicals that can attract Aedes albopictus, including:
—ammonia
—hexanoic acid
—cyclopentanone
Plant-Based Attractants:
Fruit Peel Extracts: Papaya and pineapple peel extracts have shown attractant potential for Aedes mosquitoes.
Certain Plants: Ae. albopictus is attracted to various plants and actively seeks sugar meals for nutrition and energy.
Plant Compounds: Specific compounds from plants, such as those found in Silene otite inflorescences (linalool oxide, linalool, hexenyl acetate) or Asclepias syriaca (phenylacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde), can also attract mosquitoes.
Commercial Attractants:
Products like BG-Sweetscent utilize artificial odors mimicking human skin scents to enhance trap effectiveness. Mosqilure is another attractant based on lactic acid.
Killing Methods:
Habitat Management: Removing water-filled containers and cleaning gutters eliminates breeding sites, disrupting the mosquito life cycle.
Larvicides: These insecticides specifically target mosquito larvae in their aquatic stage.
—Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti): A naturally occurring bacterium effective in controlling mosquito larvae.
—Spinosad: Another effective larvicide, particularly against Aedes species.
—Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): Such as pyriproxyfen, which disrupt larval development.
Simple Household Methods: Dish soap, oil, or vinegar can be used to kill larvae in small water sources.
Adulticides: These insecticides target adult mosquitoes.
—Space Spraying: Dispersing insecticide fog outdoors to kill adult mosquitoes.
—Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS): Applying insecticides to indoor surfaces where mosquitoes rest.
—Insecticide-Treated Materials: Nets or other materials treated with insecticides can be used to prevent bites and kill mosquitoes.
—Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSB): Combining attractants and a sugar solution with an insecticide to kill mosquitoes that feed on it.
Trapping:
—Gravid Traps: These traps lure and capture female mosquitoes seeking to lay eggs by providing a dark, enclosed water source. Examples include the BG-GAT and CDC-AGO.
I—n2Care Mosquito Station: A trap that utilizes adult mosquitoes to spread larvicides to breeding sites.
Biological Control:
—Wolbachia: A bacterium that can be introduced into mosquito populations to reduce their ability to reproduce or transmit diseases.
—Entomopathogenic Fungi: Certain fungi, like Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, are pathogenic to mosquitoes and can be used to control both adult and larval populations.
Mosquitoes 