Common Types of Mosquitoes Florida Homeowners Should Know

Get to Know Your Biting, Disease-Carrying Neighbors

An evening outdoors can be ruined by the relentless whine of mosquitoes, not to mention the sudden, itchy bites they leave behind. However, not all mosquito species pose an equal threat. 

Some types are significantly more than a nuisance, presenting genuine health concerns. Others? They’re essentially benign and don’t transmit illness. Keep reading to find out how the mosquito control experts at Luv-A-Lawn tell one mosquito species from another, as well as which ones are the most dangerous. 

How Many Mosquitoes Are Buzzing Around? 

The world has over 3,000 types of mosquitoes. Only about 200 of these live in the

 U.S., and even fewer are found in Florida. The good news is that just a handful of these are the ones that can make people sick.

These mosquitoes can be sorted into four main groups: Culex, Aedes, Anopheles, and Culiseta. They all act very differently. They’re active at different times of day, bite different animals, lay eggs in different places, and live in different areas. Actually, many mosquitoes don’t even want to bite people. They’d rather try their luck with birds or other animals. And some don’t bite anything at all!

1. Culex Mosquitoes 

This group of mosquitoes is most active during the evening and nighttime hours. We most often find them indoors as persistent pests, and they typically breed in still or contaminated water sources like sewers, clogged gutters, or abandoned swimming pools. In the U.S., Culex mosquitoes are notably the principal pests responsible for transmitting West Nile virus to humans.

Western Encephalitis Mosquito (Culex tarsalis) 

• Can breed at elevations up to 10,000 feet, making it a concern even in mountainous regions
• Found in the Midwest and Western states
• Delivers a more painful bite than its relatives

Northern House Mosquito (Culex pipiens) 

• Hibernates during winter inside (basements, crawl spaces, and attics) and outside (animal burrows, tunnels, and logs)
• Thrives in urban and suburban environments, particularly in warm and tropical climates
• Uses man-made structures, laying large numbers of eggs in sewers, retention ponds, storm-water catch basins, ground pools, and wastewater containers

Southern House Mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) 

• Known for transmitting West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, and canine heartworm.
• They like breeding in nutrient-rich standing water
• Found throughout the Southern U.S.

1. Aedes Mosquitoes

These mosquitoes are uniquely suited to life among people. They break from typical mosquito behavior by being aggressive daytime biters. So when your outdoor afternoon activities are interrupted (gardening, backyard barbecue, etc.)? It’s probably Aedes. Making matters more troubling is that they have a strong preference for feeding on humans rather than animals.

Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) 

• Persistent, aggressive biting behavior during the daytime
• Not native to the United States and can survive in cooler climates, which has allowed it to spread across the Southeast, Midwest, Northeast, and Pacific regions
• Recognized by its striking black-and-white markings
• Breeds in tires, containers, and shaded areas

Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquito (Aedes sollicitans) 

• Extremely aggressive biter during the day and at night
• Not typically a major disease spreader
• Breeds in salt marshes and coastal wetlands along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf Coast
• Can travel up to 40 miles from its breeding site

Yellow Fever Mosquito (Aedes aegypti) 

• Found mostly in the Southeast and Southwest U.S., along the Mid-Atlantic, and in parts of California
• Known for transmitting Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Yellow Fever 
• Breeds in artificial containers and urban environments (tires, flower pots, buckets, birdbaths, etc.)
• Thrives during warm, humid months

1. Anopheles Mosquitoes 

There are nearly 450 species of these mosquitoes around the world, which is bad news since these nighttime biters are the sole mosquito variety able to transmit malaria. 

Common Malaria Mosquito (Anopheles quadrimaculatus) 

• Historically, this species was responsible for malaria transmission in the U.S.
• Breeds in freshwater bodies with vegetation (ponds, swamps, marshes, and slow-moving streams)
• Found mainly in the Eastern U.S., Midwestern, and Southeastern states

1. Culiseta Mosquitoes 

This is a less important type of mosquito to know in Florida since it’s found primarily in cooler regions. Plus, these mosquitoes are a lower risk to human health. 

Common Characteristics of Culiseta Mosquitoes 

• Found mostly in the Northern U.S., higher elevations, and parts of Canada
• Prefer cooler temperatures and are often active in early spring or fall when other species are less prevalent
• Breed in snowmelt pools, woodland ponds, and cold, stagnant water

Mosquitoes Can Transmit These Diseases:

• Yellow Fever: Mainly a travel-related risk, though Aedes aegypti populations exist in the U.S.
• West Nile Virus: The most widespread mosquito-borne disease in the U.S., primarily transmitted by Culex mosquitoes
• Zika: Regional outbreaks, mainly transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
• Dengue: Another Aedes-transmitted disease, with occasional outbreaks in southern states
• Chikungunya: Less common but still a concern, also spread by Aedes mosquitoes
• Malaria: Rare in the U.S. but still possible through local transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes

Differences Between Mosquito Species 

It’s easy to mistake other insects, like harmless crane flies, for mosquitoes. Experts use a precise method called the “Three P’s” for accurate identification.

Three Ways to Tell Mosquitoes Apart 

Posture. This is actually one of the easiest ways to ID a mosquito. When an Anopheles mosquito lands and rests, it holds its body in a straight-line posture (abdomen angled upward). Aedes and Culex mosquitoes, on the other hand, form a hunched “V” shape when they rest.

Palps. These are the sensory organs near the mosquito’s mouth. In Anopheles mosquitoes, the palps are long and prominent, roughly as long as the proboscis. In Aedes and Culex mosquitoes, the palps are much shorter.

Pattern. Look at the mosquito’s coloring. Black-and-white striping, especially on the legs, is typically Aedes. More uniform coloring, like brown or gray, is probably a Culex or Anopheles mosquito.

When Are Mosquitoes A Problem?

Sightings and bitings are the two clear signs that it’s time to call a professional pest control service. A persistent swarm can quickly spoil any outdoor gathering. However, several risk factors can elevate a nuisance into a serious concern that warrants proactive management:

• Climatic Conditions: Warm, humid weather lengthens the breeding season and accelerates mosquito reproduction.
• Recent Travel: Increased vigilance is needed if anyone in your household has visited regions with active mosquito-borne disease transmission.
• Community Health Alerts: Stay informed about local public health notices regarding West Nile virus or similar outbreaks.
• Standing Water: Any source of stagnant water on your property directly contributes to rising mosquito populations.

Which Types Seek Out Humans? 

Contrary to popular belief, only the female mosquito bites. Male mosquitoes are practically harmless, feeding only on floral nectars and plant juices. However, the female requires a blood meal to obtain the proteins necessary for producing eggs.

These female hunters are drawn to warm-blooded creatures, primarily targeting birds and mammals, though some specialized species will feed on reptiles or amphibians. Their search begins by sensing the carbon dioxide exhaled by potential hosts from impressive distances. Guided upwind by this signal, they then use visual clues, subtle shifts in humidity, and specific body odors to pinpoint their target.

Most species have preferred feeding windows, often at dawn or dusk, though they may also bite during warm, overcast daytime hours.

The Best Ways to Manage Mosquitoes

Successful mosquito prevention and control requires several complementary techniques. 

Eliminate Breeding Grounds

Your most powerful tactic is to remove the places where mosquitoes lay eggs. Diligently tip out any collected water at least once a week. Pay close attention to clogged gutters, plant saucers, children’s toys, and even small containers like bottle caps, which can hold enough water for larvae to develop.

Use Personal Safeguards

Reduce your exposure by wearing long, loose-fitting clothing and applying EPA-approved insect repellent. Planning outdoor activities to avoid dawn and dusk can also significantly reduce bites.

Apply Targeted Treatments

When habitat management is insufficient, the precise application of larvicides or adulticides may be necessary. For safety and maximum effectiveness, the application of these products is best handled by licensed professionals who can ensure correct usage and coverage.

Know Your Enemy

Target your efforts by understanding local species. Culex mosquitoes often breed in organically rich water found in storm drains or neglected pools. Aedes species typically use man-made containers holding clean water, while Anopheles prefer vegetated freshwater edges.

Understand Seasonal Patterns

Activity peaks during the warm summer months across most of the country but can persist year-round in southern climates. Align your prevention strategies with these active periods.

No More Mosquitoes!

The most successful mosquito management plans use strategies tailored to specific species. They integrate three critical approaches: applying larvicides to water sources, actively reducing the adult population, and modifying the environment to eliminate breeding habitats. Modern, advanced control systems are designed to disrupt the reproductive cycle itself, preventing the emergence of new generations and creating a lasting reduction in local mosquito numbers.

Ready to protect your home, lawn, or business? Luv-A-Lawn provides identification and elimination of mosquito breeding sites as well as ongoing monitoring. We proudly serve several Florida cities and the surrounding communities, ensuring high-quality lawn care and pest control services across the region:

• St. Cloud, FL
• North Orlando, FL
• Kissimmee, FL
• Rockledge, FL