Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquitoes Identification Guide
Aedes sollicitans
Eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes are aggressive biters found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They can travel over 30 miles from coastal marshes and spread diseases like Eastern equine encephalitis.
Taxonomy
Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquitoes Coloration
Common color patterns to help identify eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes
Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquitoes
Seasonal Activity
When eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes are most active throughout the year
Where Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquitoes Are Found
Hover over states to see their names. Green regions indicate where eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes have been reported.
Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquito Identification Guide
Physical Characteristics
The eastern saltmarsh mosquito (Aedes sollicitans) is a medium-sized species with a rusty-tan color. Adults are 4 to 6mm long. Their bodies look golden-brown with pale yellow scales that form a stripe down the middle of the belly.
The legs have clear banding with light and dark sections. The proboscis (mouthpart) has a bright white band in the middle. This white band helps tell them apart from other mosquitoes. The wings look speckled with dark and pale scales.
Males and females look alike, but males have bushier antennae. The upper body has white scales on the sides. These mosquitoes look warm and rusty compared to many darker species.
How to Distinguish from Other Mosquitoes
Eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes have several features that set them apart:
- Asian tiger mosquitoes: Have bold black and white stripes instead of rusty-tan coloring
- Common house mosquitoes: Plain brown or gray with no banded legs or white markings on the mouthpart
- Black saltmarsh mosquitoes: Darker overall with different scale patterns on the belly
The white band on the mouthpart is one of the easiest ways to spot this species.
Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquito Behavior and Biology
Life Cycle
Eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes grow up in tidal wetlands and salt marshes. Females lay eggs one at a time on moist soil in low marsh areas. These spots flood only during high tides or heavy rains.
The eggs are tough and can live through dry spells. When water covers them at the next high tide, eggs hatch in 4 to 5 days if the weather is good. Since the pools they grow in often dry up fast, larvae must grow quickly.
Larvae go through four stages while eating tiny bits of organic matter in the water. Growth from egg to adult can take as little as a week. Females need blood to make each batch of eggs.
Feeding Behavior
The scientific name sollicitans means “vexing” in Latin. This fits their biting habits well. These mosquitoes bite at any time of day or night.
They feed most at dawn and dusk, more in the evening than morning. But females resting in tall grass will quickly attack anyone who walks through. They bite mammals, birds, and reptiles. Humans are a favorite target.
Unlike some mosquitoes that give up after being swatted, saltmarsh mosquitoes keep trying until they get a full blood meal.
Flight Range and Dispersal
What makes eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes a big problem is how far they can fly. Most mosquitoes stay within a mile of where they breed. Saltmarsh mosquitoes travel over 30 miles inland from coastal marshes.
Some have been found 100 miles from their breeding areas. Young females move about 1 mile per day. Wind affects how far they spread. After laying their first eggs, females stay closer to the marshes.
This long flight range means coastal mosquito problems reach homes many miles from the nearest salt marsh.
Habitat Preferences
Natural breeding sites include:
- Salt marshes and tidal wetlands
- Salt pannes (low spots that flood at high tides)
- Areas with salt meadow grass or saltgrass
- Brackish pools and puddles from tidal flooding
Man-made habitats can also support breeding:
- Dredge material disposal sites
- Mine tailings with saline water
- Food processing wastewater areas
Adults rest during the day in tall grass, thick vegetation, and shaded areas near the ground.
How We Treat for Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquitoes
Our mosquito control program targets adult mosquitoes where they rest. It also helps cut down breeding spots on your property.
Exterior Barrier Treatment
Our technicians use backpack sprayers to treat areas where mosquitoes rest during the day. We focus on:
- Thick plants and tall grass: Key resting spots for saltmarsh mosquitoes
- Shrubs and plants: Leaves and branches up to 10 feet high
- Shaded areas: Under decks, along fences, and in ivy patches
- Property borders: Where mosquitoes enter from nearby areas
Our treatment includes a product for quick knockdown of adult mosquitoes. It also has a growth regulator that stops larvae from becoming adults. We avoid spraying blooming flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
Breeding Site Management
Saltmarsh mosquitoes breed in coastal wetlands, not in yards. But we help reduce other mosquitoes that share your space. We check for:
- Standing water in containers, tarps, and toys
- Clogged gutters and downspouts
- Bird baths and pet water bowls
- Any areas holding water after rain
In2Care Mosquito System (Optional)
For customers who want less spraying, we offer the In2Care system. These stations attract female mosquitoes looking to lay eggs. The mosquitoes pick up a larvicide and fungus, then spread these to other breeding sites. This targets only mosquitoes without wide spraying.
For best results against saltmarsh mosquitoes and other species, we recommend treatments every 3 to 4 weeks during mosquito season. This typically runs from April through October in our service area.
Health Concerns
Eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes can spread several serious diseases:
- Eastern equine encephalitis: A rare but serious brain infection that can be deadly
- Venezuelan equine encephalitis: Causes fever and can harm the brain and nerves
- Dog heartworm: Spread to pets through mosquito bites
This species was one of the first mosquitoes targeted by control programs. Their biting and ability to travel far from breeding sites made them a public health concern in coastal areas.
Disease spread is not common. But the health risks along with their bad biting make control worth it in affected areas.
This information is for learning only and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor if you feel sick after mosquito bites.
References
Other Mosquitoes
Explore other species in the mosquitoes family
Commonly Confused With
Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquitoes are often mistaken for these similar pests
Where Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquitoes Are Found
Hover over states to see their names. Green regions indicate where eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes have been reported.
Common Questions about Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquitoes
Why are eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes called sollicitans?
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The species name sollicitans is Latin for vexing or disturbing. This name fits their aggressive biting behavior. They will attack hosts day or night and are known for causing serious nuisance problems in coastal areas.
How far can eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes travel from their breeding sites?
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Eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes can travel over 30 miles inland from coastal marshes. Some have been found as far as 100 miles from their breeding sites. Young females move about 1 mile per day on average.
When are eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes most active?
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They bite most during twilight hours, especially in the evening. However, resting females will quickly attack anyone who walks through tall grass or vegetation where they rest during the day.
What diseases can eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes spread?
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Eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes can spread Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE), and dog heartworm. They were one of the first mosquito species targeted by large-scale control programs due to these health risks.
Where do eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes breed?
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They breed in salt marshes and tidal wetlands along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Females lay eggs on moist soil in depressions that flood during high tides or heavy rains. Man-made sites like dredge disposal areas can also support breeding.
How can I tell eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes apart from other mosquitoes?
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Look for a medium-sized mosquito with rusty tan coloring and banded legs. They have a white band around the middle of their proboscis and pale yellow scales on their abdomen. Their wings have a speckled pattern of dark and light scales.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that's been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area.