The Mosquito & Vector Management District of Santa Barbara County (MVMD) detected non-native Aedes notoscriptus mosquitoes on June 10 in Santa Barbara’s Mesa neighborhood.
The species, commonly called the Australian backyard mosquito, was first discovered on March 13 on the Westside, and MVMD staff verified the new detection a half-mile from the original find.
MVMD 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.
While native to Australia, it is a common mosquito in some urban areas of the southeastern U.S. and Arizona, and has become established in several California counties.
The species has not been implicated in local disease transmission in the U.S., but in Australia, Aedes notoscriptus is the main vector of dog heartworm.
“Our goal is to locate and eliminate this mosquito population,” said Brian Cabrera, MVMD general manager. “We are doing everything to help ensure this mosquito does not become established in our communities.”
The MVMD said it has expanded surveillance efforts for Australian backyard mosquitoes and is deploying a variety of traps for adult mosquitoes surrounding the location where it 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 detection sites.
This mosquito was found in the same vicinity that the notorious “ankle biter” mosquito, Aedes aegypti, was previously found in October 2020. A. aegypti 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.
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 is important for residents to look around their yard and outside their home and dump out even the smallest amount of standing water.
MVMD recommends cleaning and scrubbing bird baths and pet watering dishes weekly and dumping the water from overflow dishes under potted plants.
The MVMD recommends 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.
Additional information on Aedes notoscriptus can be found at the MVMD website.