If you’ve seen this mosquito, Cornell wants to hear from you! It’s New York state Integrated Pest Management Program is informally tracking information to gather facts from the public about the Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus).
The Asian Tiger mosquito was first introduced in the US in the 1980’s from Japan. Since it has spread quickly and is thought to now be in New York. This mosquito is similar to others in that it needs blood to produce eggs and water to hatch them in.
The mosquito will lay its eggs in containers that can hold water like tires, bird baths, children’s pools and holes in trees and rocks, for example. So homeowners really need to be on the lookout for anything that fits their needs. Then in just about a week the mosquito goes from larvae to adult.
Unlike other mosquito’s, the Asian Tiger mosquito will fly and feed during the day and closely associates with humans rather than living in wetlands. It prefers shade to direct sun. So neighborhoods with lots of trees are most at risk.
Should you discover this mosquito biting you or someone you know, take a picture and then go to the website to download your picture and share you observations.
For more information please contact our friend, Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, Ph.D., community Integrated pest management coordinator, New York state IPM Program, Cornell University, Babylon at 631-539-8680.
The Center 