The Tiger Mosquito in DC: What You Need to Know

Why this aggressive daytime biter is a growing problem for Washington, DC homeowners

Asian Tiger Mosquito

If you’ve noticed mosquitoes biting during the day—even in full sunlight—there’s a good chance you’re dealing with the tiger mosquito, scientifically known as Aedes albopictus. This invasive species has become one of the most common (and frustrating) pests in the Washington, DC region.

Here’s what makes tiger mosquitoes unique, why they’re so hard to control, and how DC Mosquito Defense helps protect your property.

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🐅 What Is the Tiger Mosquito?

The tiger mosquito gets its name from its distinctive black-and-white striped body and legs. Originally from Southeast Asia, this species has rapidly spread across the U.S. over the past two decades—and has become especially widespread in urban areas like DC.

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🔍 Identifying Features:

• Black body with bright white stripes

• Smaller than a house mosquito

• Aggressive and active during the day

• Bites ankles, arms, and back of neck—often multiple times

• Breeds in very small amounts of standing water (even bottle caps!)

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📍 Why They’re a Problem in DC

Washington, DC’s warm, humid summers and abundance of row homes, alleyways, and shaded urban yards create ideal breeding grounds for tiger mosquitoes.

What makes them especially difficult is their daytime feeding behavior—unlike other mosquitoes that come out at dusk, tiger mosquitoes will bite aggressively throughout the day, making it nearly impossible to enjoy your yard.

They are also known carriers of diseases such as Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, though these are rare in our region.

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🧪 Why DIY Solutions Often Fail

Because tiger mosquitoes breed in tiny water sources—like flowerpot saucers, clogged gutters, children’s toys, and even plant axils—they’re harder to control than traditional mosquitoes. Over-the-counter foggers and candles just aren’t enough.

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✅ How DC Mosquito Defense Targets Tiger Mosquitoes

Our expert technicians understand the habits of tiger mosquitoes and use a combination of professional-grade tools and environmentally thoughtful strategies to reduce their population:

• Barrier spray treatments targeting shaded harborage zones

• Larvicide applications for hidden breeding areas

• In2Care mosquito traps that target tiger mosquito breeding behavior

• Homeowner education to eliminate standing water on-site

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🏡 What You Can Do Now

• Dump standing water every 3–5 days (yes, even tiny amounts!)

• Check gutters and downspouts for clogs

• Remove unused outdoor items that collect rain

• Keep bushes and vegetation trimmed back

And if you’re still seeing activity after that?

📞 Call us at (202) 413-1384 for a custom mosquito control plan that protects your home and family from tiger mosquitoes and other pests.

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Tiger Mosquitoes in DC

• Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquitoes) bite during the day

• Thrive in small containers of water

• Aggressive, hard to repel, and prevalent in DC’s urban environment

• Require targeted professional treatment for effective control