The Asian Tiger Mosquito

The Asian Tiger mosquito is a very aggressive species of mosquito.  See our mosquito control section to learn how to defend yourself against this particularly nasty mosquito.

First found in the United States in Harris Co., Texas, in 1985, the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is now present in more than thirty states. In the Northeast, it has been reported from York County, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Salem, and Monmouth counties in New Jersey. The Asian Tiger Mosquito has demonstrated the ability to survive in states as far north as Minnesota and Delaware.

Unlike the aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus eggs can survive very cold winters. As a result the Asian Tiger Mosquito has great potential to carry diseases into a substantial portion of the United States. In the Central region of the United States, this species has been linked to the transmission of LaCrosse Encephalitis. There have been several documented cases of Dengue Fever in southern Texas due to the increased numbers of Aedes Albopictus in that region. Another disease Aedes albopictus can transmit to humans is the West Nile Virus. The CDC reports that it has been found positive in the US since 1999, from West Nile Virus isolated, RNA detected, or antigen detected using a variety of tests.

Aggressive Day-Biter
The Asian Tiger Mosquito is an aggressive day-biter and is most active from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most mosquitoes feed at dawn and dusk and rest in the foliage during the day. They will generally bite you during the day only if you go into their shady resting spots. The Asian Tiger Mosquito will readily leave its shady resting area to feed on you even in the direct sun.

Container Breeder
The Asian Tiger Mosquito is a 'container breeder'. It breeds in artificial containers such as tires, flower pots, buckets and rain gutters; as well as natural containers such as bamboo, bromeliads, and tree holes.

Limited Flight
The Asian Tiger Mosquito is not a strong flyer so it does not travel far from its breeding habitat. If it's breeding in your backyard, that's where it will stay.

Introducing Lurex™
American Biophysics Corp. has introduced Lurex™, a new attractant specifically designed for customers who have the Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Octenol has been found to be less effective in trapping Asian Tiger Mosquitoes. If the Asian Tiger mosquito is the predominant pest in your area, we recommend that you try Lurex™.