MOSQUITOES
The desert may seem an unlikely place for mosquitoes.
However, more than a dozen species have found a way to survive in the
Coachella Valley. Mosquitoes breed in almost every known aquatic environment
except very swift currents and open bodies of water.
All mosquitoes have four life stages.
Eggs, Larva,
Pupa and Winged Adult
Some mosquito species lay their eggs singly or in
clusters on the surface of water, which hatch into larvae within 2 to 3 days.
Others lay their eggs singly on damp soil, which remains dormant for months or
until the next flooding when they hatch.
Larva, also known as the “Wiggler”, lives
exclusively in water and feeds on microorganisms and organic matter. The larva
needs 3 to 14 days to develop into pupa.
Pupa, commonly called the “Tumbler”, is also
aquatic. It takes 2 to 3 days for the pupa to transform into an adult mosquito.
The newly emerged adult rests on the water surface
until its wings are dried. Adult mosquitoes have a long slender body, two wings,
and very long, thin legs. Adult mosquitoes can live from a few days up to
several months.
Problem
Species in the Coachella Valley
The mosquito breeding habitats in the Coachella
Valley, range from the marshes around the Salton Sea to bird baths, ponds, or
any artificial containers in the backyard.
Common Name: West Nile Virus
Mosquito
Scientific Name: Cx.
tarsalis
The
primary vector of West Nile Virus (WNV), Saint Louis encephalitis
(SLE) and the western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE) viruses. The species
lives in a variety of aquatic sources ranging from clean to polluted waters,
flooded agricultural fields to backyard stagnant pools, fresh water to high
salinity brackish water. In the Valley, this mosquito breeds year round and
prefers to feed on birds. However, it readily attacks humans, horses and cattle.
Common Name: Pasture Mosquito
Scientific Name: Psorophora columbiae
A primary pestiferous mosquito that breeds in irrigated fields and pastures
and can develop from egg to adult in just 4 days.
Common Name: Southern House
Mosquito
Scientific Name:
Culex quinquefasciatus
A nuisance to residential
communities from Palm Springs to North Shore. The larvae breed in foul or highly
polluted waters, artificial containers, septic tanks, catch basins, waste
treatment ponds, and neglected swimming pools. Birds are the principal blood
meal source; however, they will attack humans and invade their homes.
The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control
District applies the latest integrated methods to control problem mosquito
species in the Valley.
What
You Can Do to Help Control Mosquitoes
*
Properly maintain swimming pools
*
Empty and invert any container that holds water
*
Change water frequently in bird baths
*
Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito fish (call CVMVCD to schedule
pick up or delivery of mosquitofish)
*
Seal septic tank covers and other openings so that adult mosquitoes
cannot enter to lay eggs
*
Avoid over irrigation of lawns and fields.
Drain or fill areas that accumulate water
Personal
Protection from Mosquitoes
*
Reduce outdoor activity after dark
*
Wear long pants and shirts with long sleeves
*
Use approved insect repellent
*
Seal all openings on your window screens and doors to prevent
mosquitoes from entering your home
First
Aid for Mosquito Bites
*
Wash bite area with soap and water
*
Apply anti-itch
medication
*
Apply cold cloth for swelling
*
Guard against secondary infections
Download Mosquito Brochure
Click on either link for
additional information on mosquitoes in the Coachella Valley and the services
the CVMVCD offers the public.
Brochures are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Viewer.
You can download Adobe Acrobat here:
CVMVCD
Mosquito Brochure_English version
CVMVCD Mosquito Brochure_Spanish version
Coachella Valley Mosquito
and
