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Wyeomyia |
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Bromeliad Garden |
Mosquitoes Grow in Water
Mosquito larvae develop in water before emerging as flying,
biting adult mosquitoes. The type of water determines which
mosquito species will find it a suitable nursery. The larvae
of Wyeomyia (wy-oh-MY-ah) species of mosquitoes develop in
the water-holding “vase” of bromeliad plants. This is where
the leaves meet at the base of the plant.
Bromeliad Plants
Bromeliads are plants in the pineapple and air plant family.
They come in many varieties and colors, but share one common
trait, they hold water at the axil of each leaf. A single
bromeliad can house 100 mosquito larvae!
Day Biters
Because the tiny brownish-gray Wyeomyia species fly and bite
during the day rather than after sundown, they are not
killed by Sarasota County Mosquito Services nighttime
spraying. Although persistent biters, they do not spread
disease.
 See
for Yourself
You can see if your
bromeliads contain larvae by siphoning water from the plants
with a turkey baster. Squirt the water into a bowl. The
larvae look like pale wiggling water worms.
What You Can Do
Use flying insect sprays labeled for adult mosquitoes. Once
a month, spray a light mist over the plant and allow it to
settle. This keeps away egg-laying adult mosquitoes.
For larvae already developing,
apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) or a
larvicide with the ingredient methoprene. These larvicides
are safe for plants and animals and can be purchased at most
lawn and garden stores. Read and follow label instructions.
Past Pest
of the Month
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IPM Procedural Guidelines