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WASHINO'S WILLOW
POOL
MOSQUITO
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Washino's Willow Pool Mosquito (Aedes
washinoi) is one of 53 types of mosquitoes that occur in
California. It is an aggressive day-biting mosquito commonly found breeding
in shallow ground pools and riparian sites dominated by willow or cottonwood
trees. This species has also been found breeding in areas with dense
blackberry thickets.
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Adult Daily Activity:
Adults emerge during late winter and early spring and can
persist through early June. Man-made canals and natural water ways
have sometimes been used by these mosquitoes as a passage way into local
human developments. |
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Adult Flight Range:
Usually stay within one mile of their breeding site.
Maximum recorded flight range 1.5 miles.
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Adult Feeding:
Females tend to feed during the day and at dusk.
Their preferred hosts are humans and large mammals.
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Eggs
and Larvae:
Eggs are laid in the muddy margins adjacent to the receding water
line of the larval habitat and hatch the following winter when
reflooded. Larvae usually hatch during early winter after
sufficient rainfall has filled their habitat with enough water to
submerge the last season and prior seasons eggs. Additional
hatches of larvae can occur if late winter and early spring rains
refill drying larval sites. Larve of this mosquito also
exhibit a late fourth instar diapause and partial synchronous adult
emergence similar to that observed in the
Winter Salt Marsh Mosquito (Aedes
squamiger) |
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DISEASES TRANSMITTED
Washino's Willow Pool Mosquito does occasionally create domestic,
industrial and agricultural pest problems when they are present in large
numbers. Although California Encephalitis virus has been isolated from
natural populations of these mosquitoes, no confirmed human cases of
mosquito-borne disease has been linked to this species of mosquito.
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WASHINO'S WILLOW
POOL MOSQUITO LIFE
CYCLE |
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Washino's Willow Pool Mosquitoes have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
The immature stages need standing water to complete their life cycle.
After an adult female lays her eggs they hatch into
larvae (wrigglers), which feed on small organic particles and microorganisms
in the water. Feeding occurs when they hang from the water's surface by
the tip of their tail (siphon) or by browsing along the bottom of their
habitat. Because they are air breathing organisms they must return to
the water's surface to breathe. About one to two weeks are required
for larval development. At the end of the larval stage, the mosquito
molts and becomes the aquatic pupa (tumbler). The pupa is active only
if disturbed, for this is the resting stage where the larval form is
transformed into the adult. This takes about two days during which
time feeding does not occur. When the transformation is completed, the
new adult splits the pupal skin and emerges.
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CONTROL METHODS |
| Where possible, the best approach is to prevent mosquitoes from
breeding by modifying their breeding sites. Careful planning
and coordinated efforts with landowners, regulatory agencies and
concerned citizens is essential for any wetlands restoration or
enhancement project where this mosquito might breed. |
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RESIDENTS SHOULD |
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If you have a mosquito problem call your
local Mosquito Abatement District to identify the problem. That
is the first step in identifying what type of mosquito is being
dealt with. |
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Use insect repellents if it is necessary
when in an area where this mosquito is found. Read and follow
the directions carefully! |
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PERSONAL PROTECTION FROM MOSQUITOES |
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FIRST AID FOR MOSQUITO BITES |
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Reduce
outdoor activities during peak feeding periods. |
q
Wash
bite with soap and water. |
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q
Wear
long pants and long sleeved shirts. |
q
Apply
anti-itch medication. |
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q
Apply
insect repellent. |
q
Apply
cold cloth for swelling. |
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q
Watch
for secondary infections. |
For more information on
Washino's Willow
Mosquitoes contact:
Napa County Mosquito Abatement District
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