Five Mosquito Species Carry Diseases in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Five types of mosquitoes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can spread sickness. The Asian tiger mosquito and the common house mosquito create the most danger.

Pennsylvania has 60 kinds of mosquitoes, World Population Review reports. New Jersey has 63, per Rutgers University. Just a few can make people and animals sick.

The Asian tiger mosquito spreads 20 illnesses, the National Institutes of Health says, including yellow fever, Rift Valley fever, West Nile virus, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.

Common house mosquitoes transmit avian malaria, West Nile virus, and Usutu virus, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports. Dogs can get heartworms from this type.

Three other kinds threaten people in the area. White-dotted mosquitoes carry St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus. Inland floodwater mosquitoes spread dog heartworm, West Nile virus, and Zika.

Rock pool mosquitoes transmit St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus. Eastern tree hole mosquitoes carry yellow fever, eastern encephalitis, Venezuelan encephalitis, and western encephalitis, Moyer Pest Control Service reports.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists ways to stop bites. Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and pants when going outside. EPA-approved insect repellants work well. Put screens on windows and doors.

The CDC says to keep windows and doors closed when you can. Air conditioning cuts down on exposure. Empty things that collect water, like vases and flowerpot saucers, once a week at a minimum.

“Use an outdoor insect spray in dark, humid areas where mosquitoes rest, like under patio furniture or in the carpool or garage,” the CDC stated on its website, according to app. “Always follow label instructions.”

Indoor insect foggers or sprays kill mosquitoes inside houses. Apply these products where insects rest. People with septic tanks should fix cracks or gaps so mosquitoes can’t breed there.

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