#365Insects 40: #Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus in Hasselquist, 1762)
Dengue. Chikungunya. Yellow Fever. Zika. You’ve probably heard a lot about these diseases in recent months: now meet the mosquito responsible for transmitting them. Most likely native to Africa, Aedes aegypti has since found a home around the warmer parts of the world in the tiny pools of stagnant water we leave laying around. Rainwater-filled tires, buckets, and toys can all provide a safe place for these flies to grow from larva to adult in our backyards, allowing females easy access to our lives and loved ones when it comes time to feed. Help prevent the spread of disease, and don’t let Aedes aegypti set up shop in your neighbourhood; empty outdoor water containers regularly, use effective mosquito repellants like DEET when exploring, and keep the screens on your windows and doors properly maintained. (at University of Guelph)
