A new threat-The Asian Tiger Mosquito

Have you heard of the new emerging threat in the insect world? It is the Asian Tiger Mosquito, aptly named for the black and white stripes on its back.

This mosquito was thought to be introduced to the US through tire shipments from Asia. There are several things that make this mosquito more threatening than our average mosquitos.

• The Asian Tiger Mosquito has a bloodlust for humans and is very aggressive.
• They are active day and night as opposed to mostly dusk/evening activity for other mosquitoes.
• It's bite is reported to be very painful and is describe as a "stabbing feeling" in people who have been bitten.
• This mosquito transmits all the diseases, such as Lyme Disease, that native mosquitoes do with one addition: Chikungunya.  This is a disease for which there is no cure or treatment.  This disease causes debilitating symptoms like fever, severe joint pain, vomiting and severe fatigue.  These symptoms usually dissipate within a few weeks.

Currently the Asian Tiger Mosquito has been spreading throughout the US quickly-especially the East Coast-because its' eggs are strong enough to survive our winters. 

For more information about how to prevent mosquito bites click here.