- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
- Contributor: Andrew Mason Sutherland
You may be seeing long-legged, flying insects in your house lately, bouncing around the walls, ceilings, and corners. Many people call these “mosquito hawks” or “mosquito eaters,” but unfortunately, they are not predators of mosquitoes.
These flying insects are actually adult crane flies and although annoying to find in the home, they are basically harmless and won't help with any mosquito problems.
Many reports claim these adult European crane flies (Tipula paludosa) bite or sting, but this is false. Most adult crane flies, which superficially resemble large mosquitoes with very long legs, eat very little, if at all. Adult crane flies live for only a few weeks, and when they find their...
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
Since this week is California Mosquito Control Awareness Week, we thought we'd run a recent mosquito-related post again. [See the full post here.]
How is Zika Transmitted? The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes egypti mosquito, a species also known to carry yellow fever. The Zika virus is thought to also be transmitted via blood transfusion and sexual contact, and in rare cases from mother to child. Researchers are currently investigating the link between the Zika virus and birth defects including microcephaly.
How to Protect Yourself. To protect yourself...
It's Mosquito Awareness Week (April 17-23) in California. The Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) is promoting this week to educate the public about how to control mosquitoes, as spring is when mosquito populations begin to multiply and can reach large numbers.
The MVCAC recommends the public practice the “D's” of mosquito prevention:
- DRAIN all standing water.
- DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outside.
- DRESS in long sleeves to avoid being bitten.
- DEFEND yourself from mosquitoes with an effective repellent.
- DOOR and window...
You've probably heard about the Zika virus, a recent hot topic in the news headlines. A new publication by the Regional Integrated Pest Management Centers has great information about the virus, how it's transmitted, and how to protect yourself. A summary is below.
How is Zika Transmitted?
The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes egypti mosquito, a species also known to carry yellow fever. The Zika virus is thought to also be transmitted via blood transfusion and sexual contact, and in rare cases from mother to child. Researchers are currently investigating the link between the Zika virus and birth defects including microcephaly.
Are Mosquitoes that Carry...
/h2>- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
For many people, warmer weather means more time outside and more exposure to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not only annoying, they can also transmit the potentially deadly West Nile virus.
Two new videos from UC IPM, “Don't let mosquitoes breed in your yard!” and “Protect yourself from mosquito bites” show how to keep yourself and your family from getting bitten and how to eliminate sites around your home where mosquitoes can breed.
Find out more on UC IPM's Mosquito page: