What Types of Mosquitoes are Active in the South Shore of Massachusetts?

There are 51 types of mosquitoes in Massachusetts, but that doesn’t mean they all affect us. 
Each type of mosquito is different. They live in different places, they feed off of different things, they feed at different times.

While interesting that there are so many different types, to focus on information from all of them would be overwhelming, instead, we will tell you about the seven you will most commonly see here in Massachusetts and feed on mammals. Disease from Mosquitoes is rare in Massachusetts, but there is a real danger of transferring Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile to humans and horses as well as heartworm to our dogs and cats. Knowing everything we can about the types of mosquitoes that pose a threat, is helpful in avoiding that threat.

Aedes albopictus First collected in the US at a tire dump in Texas this species exists in over 25 states in the US. It is able to breed in a container as well as nature. It only requires a quarter of an inch of water to complete its life cycle. First documented in Massachusetts in 2000.

Aedes vexans Very common in summer. They reproduce quickly so the number is likely to grow over the summer, especially after large rain events. Definite carrier of West Nile and EEE.

Coquillettidia perturbans Common June to August. Will bite birds and mammals alike. Vicious biter that will go inside your home. Larvae can reside at submerged roots of aquatic plants. Suspected in transmission of EEE.

Culex salinarius Common in summer. Vicious biter of birds and mammals. Fast to reproduce so population grows over summer. Night active. Tested to transmit West Nile. Larvae found in swamp water. 

Culex pipens A common year-round mosquito that primarily feeds on birds. Prefers safe nibbling, primarly biting people when they are sleeping. The primary vector of West Nile Virus.

Ochlerotatus canadensis Late spring to summer active. Vicious biter of humans. Larvae found in woodland and grassy areas. Primary suspect of heartworm in dogs and also in EEEfrom birds to humans.

Ochlerotatus japonicus japonicus Native to the Orient. Prefers to live in artificial containers instead of in nature. Not a huge pest to humans but has carried West Nile.

This is just the tiniest bit of information about the mosquitoes in Massachusetts most likely to be biting you and your family or pets. If you want to read in-depth check out the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project or Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project.

Regardless of the type of mosquito Mosquito Squad of Southeastern Massachusetts can help you get rid of them in your yard. Call us today for more information about our mosquito control services.