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Common Types of Mosquitoes
How many kinds of mosquitoes are there?
There are more than 3,500 mosquito species, with about 240 found in Latin America. The most common mosquitos in the U.S. are those of the Aedes, Culex and Anopheles genera. Each has its own unique characteristics, and each has the potential to transmit various diseases.
Diseases Transmitted by Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes aren't just a nuisance. They can transmit deadly diseases that put customers and employees at risk. Diseases that mosquitoes can carry globally include:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue Fever
- Malaria
- West Nile Virus
- Western/Eastern Equine Encephalitis
- Yellow Fever
- Zika
Mosquitos Affecting Commercial Operations
Culex Mosquitoes
- Typically bite at night both indoors and outdoors; they prefer avian hosts, but will bite humans
- Transmit diseases including: West Nile Virus, Western/Eastern Equine Encephalitis
- Lay eggs in rafts on the water surface of polluted freshwater sites and artificial containers
- Distribution: Present in most of Latin America countries, specially in: México, Colombia, Ecuador, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cayman Islands, Perú, Bolivia and Brazil
Anopheles Mosquitoes
- Bite indoors and outdoors between dusk and dawn and prefer human and mammal hosts
- Lay eggs with floats on the surface of natural, vegetated water bodies (e.g., ponds, marshes, swamps)
- Distribution: México, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Perú, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Brazil
Aedes Mosquitoes
- Unlike the “typical” mosquito, they are active day biters and humans are their preferred hosts
- Transmit diseases including: Zika, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever
- Lay eggs singly on or near the surface of temporary water sources (e.g., used tires, flower pots, pools, roof tanks)
- Distribution: México, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil
More Pest Resources
A single bite from a mosquito is not only irritating and itchy, but also can cause major harm and potentially transmit disease.
Read “Pest Spotlight: Mosquitoes”
A single mosquito can invade your facility, breed on your property, bite an employee and transmit a disease. Learn how to protect employees and guests from mosquitoes.
Read: “How to Protect Against Mosquitoes”
Partner with Ecolab’s commercial mosquito elimination services to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and proactively reduce the risk of bites.
Learn About Commercial Mosquito Control
Large flies, including house flies, blow/bottle flies and flesh flies breed in places every restaurant has: Dumpsters and garbage.
Learn About Large Flies and Food Safety
