The recent mosquito population surge in San Diego can be attributed to an unusual tropical storm that left behind stagnant pools and lakes filled with water. These stagnant bodies of water have now become breeding grounds for a relatively new mosquito species in the area known as Aedes Aegypti. This particular type of mosquito, first observed in 2014, is notorious for its low-flying behavior and its tendency to attack unsuspecting individuals, often without the typical buzzing warning.
According to Chris Conlan, a senior entomologist at San Diego County Vector Control, Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes are opportunistic breeders, capable of laying eggs even in small water sources, such as a bottle cap’s worth of water, provided it remains stagnant for a week or longer.
To combat this mosquito population increase, experts recommend inspecting your property for any standing water and clearing out drainage pipes that may be collecting water. While larger bodies of water on public lands are monitored and treated by vector control authorities, the countless small water sources in backyards across the county pose a significant challenge.
It’s worth noting that mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn, making these times of day particularly troublesome for those trying to avoid mosquito bites, according to experts.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No North Headlines journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.