PestDex Details
Asian Tiger Mosquito
Aedes albopictus
flyer
Aggressive day-biting mosquito expanding throughout MD/VA/DC. Zika and dengue vector.
How to Identify
- •Black with white stripes on body and legs
- •Single white stripe down middle of head
- •Bites during day (unlike most mosquitoes)
- •Small, about ¼ inch
Where Found
Breeds in any standing water — flowerpots, bird baths, clogged gutters, tarps. Suburban MD/VA yards provide ideal habitat.
Seasonality
Active May–October. Peak July–August. Dies with first hard freeze.
Health & Property Risk
Painful, aggressive biter. Potential vector for Zika, dengue, chikungunya (not yet endemic in region but cases travel-related). Ruins outdoor activities.
Prevention Tips
- •Dump standing water weekly
- •Clean gutters
- •Drill drainage holes in tire swings
- •Cover rain barrels with fine mesh
- •Change bird bath water twice weekly
Treatment Notes
Larvicide in standing water that can't be dumped. Barrier spray on vegetation. Residual treatment around entry points. Homeowner source reduction is critical.