Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Prevalence: Low
Risk 4/5
Gallinipper (Flapwing Mosquito)
Psorophora ciliata · “The Giant Biter”
Large, dark mosquito, one of the largest in North America. Breeds in temporary water. Known for severe, painful bites. Often appears in swarms.
Disease risks
West Nile Virus
Prevalence: Low
How to identify
- Size
- 8-10mm (very large)
- Color
- Dark brown to black
- Distinctive features
- Large size; prominent palps; spotted wings
- Resting posture
- Head-down posture
- Prefers
- Humans and large animals
- Pain level
- Very high (causes immediate sharp pain)
- Persistence
- Extremely persistent; will bite through clothing
- Transmission
- Potential vector for EEE and West Nile Virus
What actually works
Habitat Elimination (Source Control)
Removal and treatment of breeding sites. Professional inspection identifies and eliminates standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs.
Pyrethroid Spray Treatment
Professional-grade synthetic pyrethroid insecticide applied by licensed technicians. Fast-acting, EPA-approved, effective against adult mosquitoes.
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 Gallinipper (Flapwing Mosquito) is active
Houston, TexasSan Antonio, TexasDallas, TexasAustin, TexasJacksonville, FloridaFort Worth, TexasCharlotte, North CarolinaCobb County, GeorgiaEl Paso, TexasAtlanta, GeorgiaRaleigh, North CarolinaMiami, FloridaTampa, FloridaArlington, TexasNew Orleans, LouisianaCorpus Christi, TexasOrlando, FloridaPlano, Texas
Fun fact
Psorophora ciliata can take a blood meal larger than its body weight and can bite through thin clothing. After heavy rains, they can form massive swarms.