Mega Mosquitoes

Mega mosquitoes are making the headlines! USA Today, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and over 45 other news sources have recently reported on the Gallinipper, aka mega mosquito. Why is this mosquito making such big news even before the first day of Spring? Because experts are saying we’ll see a huge influx of these giant mosquitoes very soon.

According to University of Florida entomologist Phil Kaufman, Floridians can expect to see an explosion of shaggy-haired gallinippers (Psorophora ciliata), a type of giant mosquito, reportedly up to 20 times larger than a typical mosquito.

Anthony Pelaez of the Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry the gallinipper is “mean, and it goes after people, and it bites, and it hurts.” (source USA Today)

Unfortunately this mega mosquito may be resistant to certain bug repellents and likes to strike people, fish, wild animals and pets.

The gallinipper is so large it is approximately the size of a quarter! These mosquitoes hatch after a flood or rainstorm, and in Florida last summer they saw a bumper crop after Tropical Storm Debby struck. Experts are saying that another rainy season could produce even more of these monster mosquitoes.

We likely won’t see these type of mosquitoes up in Maryland, but if you’re annoyed by our “regular-sized” pesky mosquitoes, be sure to call Mosquito Squad! We want to help you enjoy the outdoors without annoying mosquito bites! Our company, Mosquito Squad of Howard & Montgomery Maryland, offers mosquito, tick & stink bug control services for both residential and commercial clients in Howard County and portions of Montgomery County, MD.  To find out more information about our barrier treatment services and how you can “fight the bite” in your own backyard, please visit our website.