The Asian Tiger Mosquito in Northwest Guilford County: A Not-So-Friendly Neighbor

Picture this: you're enjoying a beautiful summer evening on your deck, sipping on your evening beverage of choice, when suddenly you feel a familiar sting on your arm. You look down and there it is - the Asian Tiger Mosquito. A tiny but very mean and distinct looking bug. This little creature is ferocious, after its namesake, and has become quite the nuisance in the Oak Ridge - Summerfield area.

First things first, let's talk about what this mosquito looks like. The Asian Tiger Mosquito is about the same size as your average mosquito, but it has a distinctive black and white striped pattern on its body and legs. It's almost like the little bugger is wearing a tiny mosquito tuxedo! So, if you see a mosquito that looks like it's ready to hit the red carpet, chances are it's an Asian Tiger Mosquito.

Now, here's the not-so-fun part. This species of mosquito are known to be the most aggressive around when it comes to foraging and are carriers of many bad diseases. They have the potential to transmit illnesses such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. So, it's not just their annoying bites that we need to worry about - it's the potential health risks as well, as any of these are, at best, a bad fever and at worst a trip to the hospital.

There are ways to protect yourself from these pesky insects, of course. One of the most effective methods is to get rid of any standing water around your home. Asian Tiger Mosquitoes love to breed in stagnant water, so be sure to empty any containers, buckets, or flower pots that may collect rainwater. Our technicians are trained to spot these areas and take care of it for you! Additionally, using insect repellent with DEET can help keep them at bay.

Interestingly, this species of mosquito is active during the day, unlike many of its twilight counterparts. Asian Tiger Mosquitoes are early risers and are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, compared to most of the mosquito population, which is nocturnal. If you plan on spending time outdoors during these hours, make sure to take extra precautions to avoid getting bitten.

Now, let's talk about their invasion of North Carolina and the US of A as a whole. These mosquitoes were first spotted in the state back in 1987 and have since spread to almost every county. They came across the pacific in boats from Japan, stowed away in tires being shipped into the gulf area of Texas. Ever since then they have slowly migrated their way across the Southeastern US. Their ability to adapt to different environments and reproduce quickly has made them quite successful in establishing themselves here. It's like they've become the unofficial state bird of North Carolina! As long as there is some amount of standing water to breed in, and it’s a little warm, you can bet mother Tiger mosquitos are there.

The Asian Tiger Mosquito may be small in size, but it's causing quite a buzz in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and other areas in Guilford County. With its distinctive appearance and potential to transmit diseases, it's important to take precautions to protect ourselves and our communities. So, the next time you see one of these striped invaders, remember to empty those water containers and coat on some bug spray. Call Mosquito Squad at 336-617-5268 to learn about treatment programs and our traditional mosquito Barrier spray to greatly reduce this aggressive nuisance. Ask about our Platinum package to really give them the boot!

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