What Color Are Mosquitoes in St. Louis Metro East?

Posted by Mosquito Squad Plus

June 23, 2026

What Color Are Mosquitoes in St. Louis Metro East?

Do you know which mosquito species are living around your St. Louis Metro East area property? Does it really matter much?

Perhaps you haven’t taken a real opportunity to even notice (or wonder) what color these backyard nuisances are – it hardly matters when they’re darting and buzzing around your head. However, a mosquito’s color can be an interesting clue about their habits, reach, and their potential to transmit illness. And around the St. Louis East area, all mosquitoes are not the same. Some are one color, while others have specific markings.

In Missouri and Illinois, the amount of mosquito activity you experience is closely related to warm weather, standing water sources, shady hiding spaces, and seasonal rainfall. There are a few common mosquito groups throughout the region, including Culex and Aedes mosquitoes.

Here’s a little more information about both.

Culex Mosquitoes, Brown Mosquitoes

One of the most common mosquitoes here is the Culex mosquito, including the Culex pipiens and Culex restuans mosquito species. Both these mosquitoes are most often described as light brown or brown. They’re not flashy, but they are more difficult to identify at a glance.

If you have stagnant water sources across your property, you probably have Culex mosquitoes. They thrive in yards with bird baths, clogged gutters, leaky spigots, and other areas where water gathers. Of the two Culex mosquitoes, the Culex pipiens is noted as a prominent vector for mosquito-borne illnesses, West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.

Aedes Albopictus, Black and White Mosquitoes

If you have ever heard of the Asian tiger mosquitoes, you’re hearing about the Aedes albopictus, once of the easier mosquitoes to identify. That’s because of its black and white markings, including striped legs.

Asian tiger mosquitoes are daytime biters, an uncommon trait in contrast of other mosquito species. Not only that, but they are very aggressive biters and known container breeders. They require only small amounts of water to thrive, like water found in outdoor pet water bowls, plant saucers, outdoor toys, old tires, or other items that gather water around the yard. These mosquitoes can become a huge nuisance close to homes and outdoor living spaces.

Worse yet, the Aedes albopictus is a potential vector for illnesses, like Dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus, yellow fever, and West Nile virus.

Aedes Vexans, Brownish Mosquitoes with Pale Markings

The Aedes vexans is another mosquito species found in the broader St. Louis Metro region, commonly referred to as inland floodwater mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are usually brownish in color with lighter markings, and often show up after heavy rains, flooding, or near areas with heavy irrigation.

Because they often emerge in the wake of wet weather, local residents might notice a sudden increase in Aedes vexans mosquito activity following storms. These guys will also show up in yards with persistent drainage issues, ponds, or low spots that hold water.

No matter the color of the mosquitoes showing up on your property, Mosquito Squad Plus of St. Louis Metro East can help you get them under control.

Where Do We Offer Mosquito Control Services?

Mosquito Squad Plus is pleased to offer mosquito control, as well as upgraded outdoor pest control services, including deer control, throughout the St. Louis Metro East area, including these and more:

Looking for pest control in St. Louis Metro East? Call Mosquito Squad.

Mosquito Squad of St. Louis Metro East is pleased to offer highly effective East St. Louis pest control solutions, including rodent control, tick control, mosquito control, and more throughout the area.