If you are a landscaper, you have no choice but to work outside. There are so many nuisances in the landscape and I do not believe anyone likes to be bothered by mosquitos. You may have already heard about or met the newest addition to the list of resident bloodsucking insects. Lately, there’s been a new mosquito species buzzing around the Treasure Coast called Aedes scapularis.

This invasive neotropical mosquito has started to become established across Florida, far from its usual range of Central/South America, the Caribbean, and Texas. Initially seen in Monroe County, Florida, in 1945, Aedes scapularis had all but vanished from the public and scientific eye in Florida until its suspected reintroduction a few years ago. Recently, it’s been spotted in multiple South and Southwestern Florida counties, including Broward, Miami-Dade, Collier, Lee, and most recently in St. Lucie and Indian River. Now that it’s in Florida, it’s predicted to spread to even more counties, with at least 16 counties in Florida being deemed highly suitable environments for the species.

Researchers have been keeping an eye on the movement of this insect across Florida and its potential risk to humans, but more work needs to be done. Known to feed primarily on humans for their blood meals, research shows this mosquito is opportunistic and feeds on a wide range of animal hosts in urban and more rural areas, leading to the possibility of transmission between animals and humans. Additionally, we know it’s a potential vector for several pathogens, including Yellow Fever, Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, and dog heartworm. Currently, at least 15 viruses have been isolated from this species, but the extent of risk this insect poses to the public is unclear.

Now that this mosquito is here to stay, more research is needed on its influence on disease transmission and spread. Until then, keep an ear out for that familiar buzzing because it may be a new face to a familiar foe. This information was compiled by Melanie Reyes and Grantly Ricketts, UF/IFAS, St Lucie County Extension Agent.

To learn more about Aedes scapularis, check out****

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11354592/

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2021/03/10/uf-scientists-predict-potential-spread-of-disease-vector-mosquito-new-to-florida/

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pestalert/2021/01/04/the-new-invasive-mosquito-in-town/#:~:text=The%20neotropical%20mosquito%2C%20Aedes%20scapularis,the%20Middle%20Keys%2C%20in%201945.

https://entomologytoday.org/2020/12/18/another-invasive-mosquito-species-florida-aedes-scapularis/

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