Questions on Mosquitoes

Q: How do mosquitoes get and spread West Nile virus?

A: Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus by biting infected birds. Humans can then become infected with the virus when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.

Q: What is the incubation period in a mosquito?

A: The incubation period is 10 days to 2 weeks. After this time, infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile virus to humans and animals while biting to take blood.

Q: How does the mosquito carry the virus?

A: The virus is located in the mosquito's salivary glands. During blood feeding, the virus may be injected into the animal or human, where it may multiply, possibly causing illness.

Q: Do all mosquitoes transmit disease?

A: No. Most mosquitoes do not transmit disease. While there are about 65 different species of mosquitoes in New York State, only a few species have been associated with the West Nile virus.

Q: Where do mosquitoes live and breed?

A: There are only a few types of mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus in New York State. Most of these species lay their eggs in stagnant water around the home. Eggs can develop in any stagnant water that lasts more than 3 days. The eggs become larvae that remain in the water until they mature and fly off. Weeds, tall grass, and shrubbery provide an outdoor home for adult mosquitoes. The most common species that carries West Nile virus also often breeds in discarded tires.

Q: What do discarded tires have to do with mosquito control?

A: Mosquitoes often breed in discarded tires that hold stagnant water.

Q: When are mosquitoes most active?

A: There are only a few types of mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus in New York State. The Culex mosquito is the most common carrier of West Nile virus in this country. They are most active between dusk and dawn when the air is calm (that's when females are most likely to bite). However, they may be present any time of the day. Aedes japonicus mosquitoes which also carry the virus in this country but are more rare, feed during the daytime and at dusk.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Nile Virus

General Questions
Questions on Illness
Questions on Birds and Reporting
Questions on Pets (Dogs, Cats, Birds)
Questions on Horses
Questions on Mosquitoes
Questions on Prevention (Mosquitoes, Environment)
Questions on DEET