Aedes

Insects

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The mosquito genus Aedes on this website also refers to the Ochlerotatus group.

Aedes are found throughout the world. Aedes mosquitoes can carry a variety of pathogens that can be transmitted to humans, including:

The larval habitats of Aedes mosquitoes will vary by species, but can be broken down into two main categories:

Aedes aegypti Credit: USDA

Container mosquito species prefer to lay eggs in artificial containers (e.g., waste tires, flowerpots, gutters, trash cans, etc.) or natural containers (leaf axils, tree holes, etc.) that can hold water. Oviposition takes place just above water level. The species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the primary vectors of concern worldwide, with Aedes aegypti preferring more artificial container types, and Aedes albopictus being more opportunistic and inhabiting both artificial and natural containers.

Floodwater mosquitoes lay eggs in wet/moist substrate or waterlogged soil in ground depressions subject to temporary floods. Females differentiate between certain soil types to find the most suitable place for egg laying. Eggs of floodwater mosquitoes remain dormant until they are flooded and conditions are favorable for hatching. Floodwater mosquito populations can even withstand extended dry or cold periods in the egg stage. Select species of floodwater mosquitoes are able to fly long distances to get a blood meal and are aggressive and painful biters.

While floodwater Aedes will lay their eggs in a variety of habitats, these habitats can typically be categorized into four ecotypes:

Floodplain
  • General description: Floodplains include low-lying areas along rivers, streams, and lakes that are temporarily inundated at various points in the year. Other low-lying depressions, such as prairie potholes, are floodplains that will hold water following rain events.
  • Common floodplain mosquitoes:
aedes habitat2
Irrigation
aedes habitat5
Woodland
aedes habitat4
Coastal
flooded area
Links to suggested control solutions

Container Aedes:

VBC BiorationalContainer Habitats
VectoBac 12AS
Teknar SC
Open habitats with minimal vegetation
VectoBac WG/WDG

Floodwater Aedes:

VBC BiorationalContainer Habitats
VectoBac WG/WDG (World Health Organization Pesticide Evaluation Scheme [WHOPES] formulation)Artificial or natural containers
VectoBac DT
VectoBac 12AS
VectoBac G/GS/GROpen or vegetated habitats
MetaLarv S-PTOpen or vegetated habitats that have dynamic flooding cycles in which pre-flood applications and flood/re-flood capacity is useful

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Contact a Valent BioSciences public health representative.
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The mosquito genus Aedes on this website also refers to the Ochlerotatus group.
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