Aedes aegypti Mosquito | Jackson County Vector Control District

We still have a chance to get rid of it, IF YOU HELP!

Aedes aegypti is an invasive mosquito species new to Jackson County and Oregon. Aedes aegypti was first detected in California in 2013 and is now considered endemic throughout much of the southern and central part of the state. On July 23, 2024, a single Aedes aegypti was found in Talent, marking the first time this species has been found in Oregon. Since the initial detection, JCVCD has detected 77 Aedes aegypti mosquitos from 18 trap locations throughout northwest Talent.

Unlike our native mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti prefer to feed on humans and they bite aggressively. They are primarily active during the day when people are more likely to be outdoors. They also require much less standing water for breeding, making it easier for them to spread in residential neighborhoods. Aedes aegypti have the potential to transmit several diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and the Zika virus but the risk of these diseases to residents is currently very low.

How JCVCD is working with the community to stop the spread

Our teams are working with the community to eradicate Aedes aegypti with a combination of awareness, detection, and prevention strategies:

Awareness: By learning what these mosquitos look like and the conditions that help them thrive, you can help us meet our goals of growing awareness in our community.

Detection: JCVCD staff will continue to deploy additional mosquito traps in areas impacted by Aedes aegypti to gather information about their population density and distribution.

JCVCD is seeking permission from property owners to inspect outdoor areas to identify potential breeding conditions and install additional traps as needed. Additionally, we ask our community to report suspected Aedes aegypti sightings or day-biting mosquitoes to JCVCD.

Prevention: You can help by following the simple strategies below to eliminate sources of standing water from your yard where Aedes aegypti reproduce.

How To Identify Aedes aegypti

Size: Small--less than ¼" inch.
Color: Dark with white on their heads.
Activity: Bites in daylight hours, targeting ankles, wrists, and elbows.
Habitat: Prefers to dwell in urban areas, indoors and outdoors.
Lifespan: Adults live for about 3 weeks.
Where you can find them: These mosquitoes lay their eggs in small sources of water commonly found near homes. They are “container breeders,” and you will find individual eggs attached to the sides of containers. These eggs are resistant to drying out and will survive for many months until water covers them. In water, the cycle from egg to flight is 7-10 days.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Exposure

You can help reduce your risk of exposure to Aedes Aegypti by taking steps to keep them from breeding in your yard and by implementing recommendations to keep bugs away from your body.

Inspect your yard:

Remove water saucers from under plants.
Fill the rims of pots with sand to reduce exposed moisture.
Remove plants that hold excess water from your yard.
Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
Re-direct sprinklers so containers are not being filled with water.
Avoid overwatering your yard.
Keep rain gutters cleared.
Cover, screen, or remove rain barrels, trashcans, bins, buckets, or tubs.
Remove old tires, tarps, buckets, containers, toys, equipment, and unnecessary items from your yard.
Scrub, clean, and dry any remaining outdoor items that hold water every four days (pet dishes, fountains, birdbaths, pools, etc.)

Use Precautions to Repel Insects:

Take extra care when spending time outdoors, even in your own yard, to limit your risk of being bitten by insects.

Use Insect Repellents: Apply repellents containing DEET to exposed skin before going outdoors.
Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
Avoid Scented Products: Refrain from using heavily scented lotions, perfumes, or hair products, as these can attract insects.

Public Health Advisory: Aedes aegypti Mosquito