Dengue Fever
Prevalence: High
Risk 4/5
Asian Tiger Mosquito
Aedes albopictus · “The Aggressive Daytime Biter”
Striking black mosquito with white stripes on legs and thorax. Originally from Southeast Asia, now widespread in North America. Known for aggressive, persistent biting behavior.
Disease risks
Zika Virus
Prevalence: Moderate
West Nile Virus
Prevalence: Moderate
Chikungunya
Prevalence: Moderate
How to identify
- Size
- 5-8mm (small to medium)
- Color
- Black with distinctive white markings
- Distinctive features
- White stripe down thorax, white bands on legs and abdomen, silver spots on base of abdomen
- Resting posture
- Head-down posture
- Prefers
- Humans, occasionally pets
- Pain level
- High (very aggressive)
- Persistence
- Extremely persistent; will follow indoors
- Transmission
- Efficient disease vector, second only to Aedes aegypti
What actually works
Pyrethroid Spray Treatment
Professional-grade synthetic pyrethroid insecticide applied by licensed technicians. Fast-acting, EPA-approved, effective against adult mosquitoes.
Perimeter Barrier Spray
Professional application of insecticide around property perimeter. Creates a 'moat' of protection that kills mosquitoes attempting to enter treated areas.
Habitat Elimination (Source Control)
Removal and treatment of breeding sites. Professional inspection identifies and eliminates standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs.
Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)
Methoprene or pyriproxyfen application that prevents mosquito larvae from developing into adults. Chemical that mimics juvenile hormone.
ULV Mosquito Fogging
Ultra-Low Volume fogging using specialized equipment to create fine mist of insecticide. Covers large areas quickly; used for emergency mosquito swarms.
Cities where Asian Tiger Mosquito is active
New York, New YorkLong Island, New YorkLos Angeles, CaliforniaChicago, IllinoisHouston, TexasPhoenix, ArizonaPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaSan Antonio, TexasSan Diego, CaliforniaDallas, TexasSan Jose, CaliforniaAustin, TexasWestchester, New YorkJacksonville, FloridaFort Worth, TexasColumbus, OhioCharlotte, North CarolinaIndianapolis, Indiana
Fun fact
The Asian Tiger Mosquito hitchhiked to North America via used tire shipments from Asia in the 1980s, and has since invaded all continental US states.