What Types of Mosquitos Can You Find in Las Cruces?

Posted by Mosquito Squad
What Types of Mosquitos Can You Find in Las Cruces?

December 20, 2023

Over 2,700 species of mosquitos can be found worldwide, but only 170 of them call the United States and its territories home. Of those 170 types, around 60 species are found here in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Mosquito Squad of Las Cruces can help defend your outdoor spaces from these numerous annoyances

What Types of Mosquitos Can You Find in Las Cruces?

Though many types of mosquitos call the Southwest home, most are Genus Ochlerotatus and are prominently a pest species. Though most would consider any mosquito species a pest, a pest species in this instance refers to a nuisance and that they are non-disease carrying or transferring creatures.

Beware the Bite of These Bothersome Bugs

You should be wary of a few mosquitos while enjoying the outdoors. These insects can cause West Nile and Zika Viruses to spread heartworms to our four-legged companions.

Genus Aedes

The mosquitos from the Genus Aedes include Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, two species of mosquito known for transmitting Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and other viruses. Outbreaks of these viruses happen when a person infected with a virus gets bit by a mosquito during the first week of infection. The mosquito continues to feed on others while the virus multiplies, allowing the spread to continue until an outbreak occurs.

Currently, there is no concern for Zika virus outbreaks in New Mexico.

Genus Culex

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Though established as a seasonal epidemic that often flares up in the summer and fall, the Genus Culex is most known to transmit the West Nile virus (WNV) in North America. Most who are infected with WNV do not show symptoms of the infection. 1 in 5 will develop mild symptoms that often include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, and other symptoms that can easily be attributed to seasonal illnesses. 1% of infections will develop more severe symptoms that are often associated with encephalitis or meningitis and can experience symptoms such as coma, tremors, or even seizures.

Dirofilaria - Heartworms

Dirofilaria immitis is best known as heartworms. These troublesome parasitic roundworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. They are primarily found in dogs, though they can be found in cats on rare occasions.

Protection from the Bite

Now that you know what types of mosquitos are found in your backyard, what can you do to protect yourself, your family, and your pets? First, follow the 7 Ts of Mosquito Control. These tips will help remove any place that mosquitos like to call home.

Mosquito Control in Las Cruces is a Call Away

Help yourself reduce mosquitoes on your property by following the 7 Ts of mosquito control. And if you’re ready to enjoy your yard without being overrun by mosquitos, call our team today to request a free quote for the Las Cruces mosquito control treatment.