Aedes Mosquitoes
Aedes mosquitoes include the Asian tiger mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito, two of the most medically important mosquito species in the world. They are aggressive daytime biters with distinctive black-and-white striped patterns on their legs and bodies. They breed in small, artificial containers such as flower pot saucers, tires, buckets, and clogged gutters, making them prolific in urban and suburban environments. Their container-breeding habits and short flight range mean that infestations are highly localized and often originate on the property where biting occurs.
Species in This Group (2)
Asian Tiger Mosquito
Aedes albopictus
The Asian Tiger Mosquito is an invasive species that has spread across the eastern United States since the 1980s.
Yellow Fever Mosquito
Aedes aegypti
The Yellow Fever Mosquito is the primary vector of yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses worldwide.
Key Behaviors
Aedes mosquitoes are primarily daytime biters, most active in early morning and late afternoon. They feed aggressively on humans and will bite multiple times to complete a blood meal. They breed in as little as a bottle cap of standing water and prefer small, dark containers over open bodies of water. Eggs can survive drying for months and hatch when re-wetted by rain or irrigation.
Risks & Concerns
Aedes mosquitoes are vectors for dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses. The Asian tiger mosquito has expanded its range across the eastern United States and is now established from Texas to New England. Their daytime biting behavior disrupts outdoor activities and makes avoidance more difficult than with night-biting species. Even without disease transmission, their aggressive biting causes significant quality-of-life impacts.
Identification Tip
Distinguished from Culex mosquitoes by their daytime biting activity, black-and-white coloring, and preference for container breeding sites. Culex mosquitoes are brownish, bite at dusk and dawn, and prefer stagnant ground pools and ditches.
Quick Comparison
| Species | Size | Color | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Tiger Mosquito | 2-10 mm | Black with distinctive white stripes on the body and legs | Bold black-and-white striped pattern; aggressive daytime biter. |
| Yellow Fever Mosquito | 4-7 mm | Dark brown to black with white markings on legs and a lyre-shaped pattern on the thorax | White lyre-shaped marking on the thorax; prefers to bite humans over other animals; breeds indoors. |
Need Help With Aedes mosquitoes?
If you're seeing signs of aedes mosquitoes in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.