Foreign Invaders: Recent Insect Arrivals that will define the Word “Pest” (Part 3 – The Asian Tiger Mosquito)

I started this blog series knowing little about the “new arrival” insects that are sure to eventually impact our lives. If not now, certainly sometime in the future; we will encounter this group in one way or another. The next insect in this series is the Asian Tiger Mosquito. Where the Asian Beetle will create havoc with American agriculture, and the Argentine Ant will prove to be a real ambitious household pest, the Asian tiger mosquito could cause some major drama to American’s health. This is a real concern and again the reason this dog is actively informing my dedicated blog readers about the particulars of this insect group. Hunter here, your doggone Loyal Termite and Pest Control K-9 Termite Detective, welcoming you back to my blog What’s Buggin’ You? Now, let me continue barking about this week’s headliner, the Asian tiger mosquito.

Forget a casual swat to silence that irritating buzz near your ear on a summer’s night. It may be enough to shoo away your garden variety mosquito but it will take more than a light slap to kill this aggressive monster.

The Asian tiger mosquito is tough. So tough it can withstand conventional controls. If not significantly contained society could face its first real dengue fever threat since World War II. The Asian tiger mosquito is an insect of medical importance. It could cause some real health problems. This mosquito is a carrier of dengue fever, a virus with side effects so painful that it is also known as “breakbone” fever and can be fatal. It produces symptoms such as limb pain, high fever, rash, and severe headache and can be treated only with analgesics and plenty of fluids. Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids and supportive care. In 1904 a breakout in Brisbane Australia killed 94 people.

Rates of the fever are increasing worldwide, with an estimated 5 million cases a year according to the World Health Organization. Indonesia is fighting its worst outbreak. More than 15,000 people in 22 of the country’s provinces have been affected since January, and more than 260 people have died, according to Indonesian health ministry figures.

The mosquito earned its name because of its ornamental striped color patterns and its aggressive biting habits.

The mosquito has already invaded the United States, where the first wave hit Texas in 1985 after mosquitoes hatched from eggs believed to have been transported in recycled tires from Asia. The species lays eggs in water containers such as flower pots, buckets, and dog bowls. As I’ve howled about before; eliminate ALL standing water around your house!

When and where a new outbreak of Asian tiger mosquitoes will happen is anyone’s guess. If you see any mosquitoes that you think may be tiger mosquitoes; kill and capture a sample and take it to your nearest extension office.

Like I have barked about before, knowledge is power; and for you to at least have some degree of education about these soon to arrive insect species, will give you an edge when they do make their presence known.

Until next time, this is Hunter the K-9. You know me, I’m always wondering, What’s Buggin’ You?

I’ll bark at you again next week, Ruff! Ruff!