A black-and-white striped Aedes notoscriptus mosquito was found in Santa Barbara’s West Side neighborhood. (Courtesy photo)
A black-and-white striped Aedes notoscriptus mosquito was found in Santa Barbara’s West Side neighborhood. (Courtesy photo)

The Mosquito & Vector Management District of Santa Barbara County (MVMD) has detected non-native Aedes notoscriptus mosquitoes in the Santa Barbara’s West Side neighborhood. The first detection was on March 13.

MVMD said it is working to evaluate the extent of the infestation and will aggressively target problem areas to prevent its spread. 

Aedes notoscriptus is a small (about ¼ inch) black and white mosquito that bites aggressively during the day. It is native to Australia and is commonly known as the “Australian backyard mosquito.”

However, it is a common mosquito in some urban areas of the southeastern U.S. and Arizona, and has become established in several California counties, MVMD said.

In Australia, Aedes notoscriptus is the main vector of dog heartworm. 

“Our goal is to control and eliminate this mosquito population, if possible” said Brian Cabrera, MVMD general manager. “We are doing everything to help ensure this mosquito does not become established in our communities.” 

MVMD has expanded surveillance efforts for this type of mosquito. The district will be deploying a variety of traps for adult mosquitoes and mosquito eggs surrounding the location where Aedes notoscriptus was found.

Additionally, district staff will be conducting door-to door inspections of properties for mosquito breeding and standing water at homes near Aedes notoscriptus detections. 

This mosquito was found in the same vicinity that the notorious “ankle biter” mosquito, Aedes aegypti, was previously found in October 2020, but was successfully eradicated by the MVMD and did not become established here. 

“The public can play a critical role in helping to control the spread of this mosquito,” officials said.

Aedes notoscriptus lays its eggs just above the water line in small containers and vessels that hold water, such as dishes under potted plants, bird baths and feeders, ornamental fountains, tin cans, children’s toys, discarded tires, and yard drains.

It’s important for residents to look around their yard and outside their home and dump out even the smallest amount of standing water, MVMD said.

MVMD advises cleaning and scrubbing bird baths and pet watering dishes weekly and dumping the water from overflow dishes under potted plants. 

The MVMD recommends people to do the following to reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes:
• Apply repellents containing EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label).
• Wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active. 
• Be sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. 

Residents experiencing mosquito bites during the day should report them immediately to the MVMD at 805-969-5050.