Mosquitoes in Valley homes
Mosquitoes in the Valley used to mean dusk bites from Culex, the species that can carry West Nile virus. Over the last several years Aedes aegypti has moved in too, a container breeding mosquito that bites during the day and has changed how we treat properties. Both species need very little standing water to lay eggs.
MosquitoesHow to tell it's this one
- Aedes aegypti bite during the day, often around the ankles, and are new to the Valley over the last several years
- Culex mosquitoes come out at dusk and are the species that can carry West Nile virus
- Multiple bites from a short time outside, especially near standing water
- A high pitched whine near your ears in the evening
- Mosquitoes resting on shaded walls or under patio furniture during the heat of the day
Where it hides in Valley homes
- Standing water in plant saucers and pot trays
- Clogged gutters holding water after rain
- Unused pools, spas or buckets
- Birdbaths and drainage areas that don't fully dry out
When it shows up
From our own route records, month by month.
What to do right now
- 1Dump and scrub anything holding standing water, even a bottle cap of water is enough for Aedes to breed
- 2Check plant saucers and gutters weekly
- 3Cover rain barrels and unused pools
- 4Run outdoor fans on the patio, mosquitoes are weak fliers and avoid moving air
How Facility handles mosquitoes
We walk the property looking for the small breeding sources most people miss, plant saucers, gutters and drainage areas, then treat to label for both larval and adult mosquitoes. Because Aedes breeds in tiny amounts of water close to the house, ongoing seasonal service catches new sources before they turn into a full breeding cycle. We'll also point out standing water on your own property that's easy to fix yourself.
Mosquitoes questions
Why am I getting bit during the day now?
Aedes aegypti, a mosquito that arrived in the Valley over the last several years, bites during the day and breeds in tiny amounts of standing water close to the house. It's a different pattern than the dusk biting Culex mosquitoes most people grew up with, which is why daytime bites feel new.
What mosquitoes carry West Nile virus in Los Angeles?
Culex mosquitoes are the species most associated with West Nile virus in this region, and they're most active around dusk rather than during the day. Aedes aegypti, the daytime biter that's newer to the area, is more of a nuisance biter and not the primary West Nile concern here.
How much standing water does it take to breed mosquitoes?
Very little, Aedes aegypti can complete its breeding cycle in a bottle cap or plant saucer's worth of water. That's why a thorough check of gutters, saucers, buckets and drainage areas matters more than most people expect, even a small, easy to overlook amount of water is enough to keep a breeding cycle going.
Why did mosquitoes get so much worse in the last few years?
Aedes aegypti moved into the Valley over roughly the last decade and behaves very differently than the Culex mosquitoes already established here, biting during the day and breeding in tiny amounts of water right around the house instead of larger, more obvious sources. That combination is a big part of why complaints have climbed.
Do mosquito foggers actually work?
Foggers knock down adult mosquitoes present at the moment of treatment but do nothing about breeding sources, so populations rebound quickly if standing water on the property isn't addressed too. Lasting control comes from combining treatment with removing the small water sources mosquitoes actually need to reproduce.
Ready when you are.
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