Franklin County calls for action against the growing threat of the Asian tiger mosquito

CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County Commissioners are reminding residents how to protect themselves and others from the invasive and nuisance Asian tiger mosquito.

Populations of the Asian tiger mosquito typically increase in mid-July, peak in mid-September, and decline in October as nighttime temperatures drop. These pests are black with white stripes and prefer mammals – including humans – as a source of blood for their food. While many mosquito species only become a nuisance at dusk and dawn, Asian tiger mosquitoes also bite during the day.

Unlike other species that are attracted to floods and retention ponds, Asian tiger mosquitoes prefer to use water-filled man-made containers for reproduction. Any man-made container that contains water – birdbaths, clogged gutters, flower pots, buckets, old tires, tarps – can breed Asian tiger mosquitoes. Even something as small as a water-filled bottle cap can be the perfect place for these pests to lay their eggs, which develop into larvae and then adult mosquitoes.

Asian tiger mosquitoes have a very short flight range compared to other mosquitoes; they typically fly no further than 200 meters from their birthplace. This little-known information is important because homeowners are likely to be bothered by mosquitoes breeding on their own property or on a neighbor’s property.

The simplest method residents can eliminate the Asian tiger mosquito is to drain water from artificial containers and store it so that water does not collect in them in the future. Eliminating breeding areas is the most important defense strategy for reducing the Asian tiger mosquito; without the opportunity to lay eggs, populations will quickly decline.

If the community does not take care of the Asian tiger mosquito, Franklin County will continue to see the population of this pest expand and invade new areas of the region. It is important that citizens do their part to keep these mosquitoes at bay and eliminate stagnant water sources near homes and properties. Collective action will go a long way in warding off the Asian tiger mosquito.

For a more detailed and comprehensive look at mosquito monitoring and control methods in Franklin County, visit https://bit.ly/MTBDP or contact Jason Goetz, Franklin County’s Mosquito and Tick-Borne Disease Control Specialist, at 717-261-3855 or (email protected).