Tiger Mosquito New Jersey: Aggressive, Blood Sucking Insect Invades State

A new scourge in town during the summer months could have New Jersey residents putting on bug repellent and running inside. It's known as the Asian tiger mosquito, a seemingly elegant looking bug that's remembered for its aggressive attacks.

Health experts note that the tiger mosquito can be extremely foreceful and even an obnoxious nuisance.

The Asian Tiger Mosquito, (Aedes albopictus) is a non-native species that continues to rapidly spread across parts of the country and was first discovered in parts of the United States in Northern Virginia, 1997. It's silvery white base and legs show a splendid distinction of composure against other blood-sucking counterparts.

"This is an extremely obnoxious nuisance mosquito,"said Claudia O'Malley, a biologist for the state's mosquito control division, via The Daily Mail. "It is impossible to control without concerted efforts by homeowners in eliminating the breeding habitat."

Not only is it aggressive, but the Asian Tiger Mosquito is a known vector for some serious viral diseases around the world, including West Nile virus, dengue fever, eastern equine encephalitis and chikungunya fever, experts say.

Fortunately, among the diseases previously mentioned, the only ones of real concern in northern climates such as New Jersey are equine encephalitis, which affects horses, and West Nile, which affects people.

And, we like to add, too, that fortunately, mosquitoes have many predators, including birds, bats, frogs, toads, fish, salamanders, and other insects.

Even if you are a resident of New Jersey, hopefully these bugs won't be too much of a nuisance for too long.