Aedes 'Ankle Biter' Mosquito Infests San Clemente Yards

San Clemente CA

24 September, 2021

2:17 PM

Description

SAN CLEMENTE, CA —They fly at ankle height and are causing a pesky pest problem for San Clemente residents. The Aedes mosquito has arrived across the entirety of Orange County, OC Vector Control reports. Commonly referred to as "ankle biters," these mosquitos have a hunger that doesn't just come in the evening or morning hours, according to OC Vector Control spokeswoman Lora Young. "It bites all day long, "she reported. The Aedes mosquito swarms low and typically bites legs. The mosquito will lay its eggs in any pool of water, anywhere. They love flower pots, drains, dog water dishes and water that you may not realize is pooling just outside your backdoor. The good news? This mosquito is not prone to disease-carrying. However, there was one known case of West Nile Virus in Buena Park, they alerted Thursday. That case, caused by another breed of mosquito-the Culex species, OC Vector Control reports. Residents can control all mosquito breeding areas if they seek out standing water and remove it from your yard. If you have ornamental ponds, be sure to stock mosquitofish free of charge to the public out of the OC Vector Control office. Goldfish are also beneficial in removing mosquito larvae from water. Also, if you own a small boat, be aware of an accumulation of bilge water, as that is also prone to mosquito breeding. NOTE: Chlorine will not kill mosquito larvae. Other tips and tricks? be sure and do your part to eradicate mosquitoes that can cause sickness and even death through Zika and West Nile Virus.