An invasive Aedes mosquito found in a new Lancaster location

LANCASTER – The invasive Aedes aegypti, Also known as yellow fever mosquito, has been detected in a district of Lancaster, authorities said Wednesday.

District entomologist Karen Mellor identified the invasive mosquito in a sample taken near 30th Street West and L Avenue, according to the Antelope Mosquito and Vectors Control District. Valley.

"This type of mosquito was first discovered in the Antelope Valley in October 2018, but we have since detected it twice. Once in June, near J Avenue and Foxton, and now this event near 30th Street West and L Avenue, "said Mellor.

Aedes aegypti is a small black and white mosquito closely associated with human habitations. They will actively pursue people, during the day and in the evening. Aedes aegypti are known transmitters of diseases such as yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika virus.

"Aedes aegypti is very aggressive during the day, which is different from our usual mosquitoes, which sting at dusk and dawn," said Cei Kratz, District Manager.

Aedes invasive mosquitoes are small (about ¼ inch), black and white, and feed almost exclusively on humans, biting aggressively all day long. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in small containers just above the waterline. Eggs can dry and survive for six months or more, waiting for the container to be flooded again to hatch.

AVMVCD staff has increased mosquito surveillance in the region and will continue to set traps designed to attract laying Aedes mosquitoes. Once trapped, the mosquitoes are contaminated with the larvicide. When they leave the trap, they spread the larvicide on several breeding sites around the trap. This targets the larvae in small and hard-to-find breeding sources. The adult mosquito is also infected with a mosquito-specific fungus that kills it before it can spread the disease.

In addition to increased surveillance efforts, local residents will be informed of the proximity of this invasive mosquito and will be asked to do their part to eliminate this mosquito. The public plays a vital role in helping to control the spread of this mosquito population. All possible sources of stagnant water where mosquitoes lay eggs, such as buckets, tires and saucers for plants, must be emptied of their stagnant water.

It is also recommended to rub the inside of the containers as this can dislodge eggs deposited above the waterline. The district is also urging residents to do their part to protect themselves from mosquito bites by following the following recommendations:

• Wear EPA registered ingredients, such as DEET, picaridine, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR3535, on exposed skin and / or clothing (as indicated on the label).
  product label).
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active.
• Make sure window and door screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Inspect streams for stagnant water sources and remove any water that may have accumulated under potted plants, bird baths, discarded tires, and any other objects that could collect water. the water.
• Check your gutters and drains on your lawn to make sure they do not hold water and debris.
• Clean and clean bird baths and pet dishes every week.
• Check the activity of mosquitoes on indoor plants held in stagnant water (eg, bamboo and philodendron)
• Report mosquitoes that bite the day at AVMVCD at 661-942-2917.

To keep up to date with mosquito information, visit www.avmosquito.org. For other questions or services, contact Antelope Valley
District Control of Mosquitoes and Vectors at 661-942-2917.

[Information via news release from the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District.]

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