West Nile Virus
Prevalence: High
Risk 3/5
Southern House Mosquito
Culex quinquefasciatus · “The House Mosquito”
Brown mosquito with banded legs and body. Thrives in warm, humid climates. Often found indoors at night. Prefers stagnant water with organic material.
Disease risks
St. Louis Encephalitis
Prevalence: Moderate
Japanese Encephalitis
Prevalence: Rare in US
Lymphatic Filariasis
Prevalence: Rare in US
How to identify
- Size
- 4-6mm (small)
- Color
- Brown with darker markings
- Distinctive features
- Banded legs and abdomen, rounded abdomen when resting, no white markings
- Resting posture
- Head-up posture (like Culex pipiens)
- Prefers
- Humans and birds equally
- Pain level
- Low to moderate
- Persistence
- Moderate; less aggressive than Aedes
- Transmission
- Efficient vector for West Nile Virus; moderate for others
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.
Drain & Catch Basin Treatment
Professional treatment of storm drains and catch basins where Culex mosquitoes breed. Licensed technician application with long-lasting IGR.
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 Southern House Mosquito is active
Fun fact
Culex quinquefasciatus has rapidly expanded its range northward, now competing with Culex pipiens in overlapping regions.