What types of mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus? That question got me wondering why we hear things like culex mosquitoes (also known as house mosquitoes) are the only ones that carry WNV. Even if they were the only kind with the virus, who has time to whip out their DNA testing kit or Kaufman’s Field Guide to verify which bug they’re swatting…or running from, as the case might be.
"The CDC reports there are 64 types of mosquitoes that have been tested and shown positive for the virus."
The CDC reports there are 64 types of mosquitoes that have been tested and shown positive for the virus. For me, the number of mosquito species that carry the virus is not as important as the number of any kind of mosquito (0) that I would care to have bite me. If you dig in to the data what you find is that the reported 64 mosquitoes are the combined number of species that can be found anywhere that carry the virus.
Since most of us only live with two or three dozen types of mosquitoes, regardless where you live the number of species that will bite you sick are likely to only number in the single digits. of mosquitoes, regardless where you live the number of species that will bite you sick are likely to only number in the single digits.
Two main points
You’re more likely to get WNV from a house mosquito
The Culex mosquito IS NOT the only mosquito you need to worry about.
Sheer numbers indicate you’re more likely to get WNV from a house mosquito, but my recommendation is to be less concerned about what type of mosquito you’re trying to keep from getting bitten by or whose circle of life you’re trying to disrupt, just disrupt them, avoid them, and kill them if you have to.
Top 3 Tips to disrupt the mosquito lifestyle:
Don’t over-water (arguably the BIGGEST contributor to sources of mosquitoes)… Water that your landscape doesn’t use is a waste. Whether it backs up in your yard drains or maintains water in those little places where water can collect, it’s where mosquitoes hatch and grow into biters.
Eliminate standing water of any kind or any amount, yucky or clear, a capful or a barrel.
Dump it, clean it or, Spread BTI (mosquito dunks) or gambusia affinis (mosquitofish) liberally when compliance with #2 is not an option. Mosquito Dunks are available at Home Depot, Lowes and Amazon.
After doing all of the above, I still have mosquitoes come into my yard looking for a meal. That’s not a problem though, because personally, I like killing mosquitoes. So much so, that it’s my business. My business is killing mosquitoes and protecting everything else. To learn about how to do it organically, automatically, and without pesticides, shoot me a note or give me a call.
Mosquito Mister Natural http://www.mosquitomisternatural.com
