The huge variety of mosquitoes found in Utah can make it difficult for residents of our state to tell heads from tails. Is that mosquito that just bit you a harmless pest or a dangerous disease vector? No one likes dealing with mosquitoes, but it’s difficult to decide when to call for professional help.
Before you reach out to a mosquito control service, it’s helpful to understand exactly what you’re dealing with. Culiseta are one of the four main types of mosquitoes found in Utah. If you think you have an infestation of Culiseta mosquitoes, keep reading below to learn more about their appearance, habits, and the health risks they pose.
Culiseta mosquitoes are considered a “cold-adapted” variety of mosquito. This means that the Culiseta mosquito can survive in colder temperatures than many other mosquito varieties can.
In fact, when the Culista is found in warm climates it’s usually only during the colder months of the year. This might seem counterintuitive to those who are familiar with mosquito control service!
In general, mosquitoes of the Culiseta variety tend to be larger than other varieties. They usually have a rounded, downward-pointing abdomen. Like the Culex mosquito, Culiseta feed on animals in addition to humans; their broad appetite includes mammals, birds, and even reptiles.
Some varieties of Culiseta feed almost exclusively on birds or non-human species. Unfortunately, enough of them feed on humans to make them a significant pest.
Culiesta, like all mosquitoes, are a nuisance. But more than being annoying, they also transfer diseases. Three species of Culiseta are vectors for Eastern and Western equine encephalitis. Most people infected with these forms of encaphalitis are asymptomatic, but it can be harmful to young children.
These diseases are considered rare – only about 11 cases of Eastern equine encephalitis are reported per year. In the US both of these forms of encephalits are predominantly found in states to the west of the Mississippi, which puts Utah in the “danger zone.”
Culiseta are found in Utah, along with other common U.S. mosquito varieties. Aside from the Culiseta, you are likely to find the Culex, Anopheles, and Aedes mosquitoes in the Beehive state.
Females lay their eggs in stagnant water, where the eggs stick to each other and form a small “island” on the surface of the water. The eggs grown into larvae and then pupae before finally emerging as adult mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes at all stages of life can be found in locations with stagnant water. This includes residential areas that have rain barrels, bird baths, unmaintained pools, and animal troughs.
Now that you have an understanding of the Culiseta mosquito, you can make an informed decision about what mosquito control service is best for you. At H2 Pest Control, we offer comprehensive residential and commercial treatments for the pests that bother you inside your house, in your backyard, and even at your place of work.
If you’re ready to get rid of your mosquito problem, call us today. We’re dedicated to providing high-quality service to all our Utah neighbors
