NEWS
These 3 mosquito species in New York can spread dangerous diseases
Madison ScottNew York Connect Team
July 18, 2026, 11:22 a.m. ET
Mosquito season has officially touched down in New York. There are 70 species of mosquitoes in the Empire State but only a few of the species could produce bites that could lead to health issues
While mosquitoes and their bites are usually seen as annoying, they can also be deadly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mosquitoes are considered the deadliest insect in the world, as they can spread diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika and dengue fever
In 2025, there were 59 reported cases of the West Nile virus in New York, according to the World Population Review
Here is what to know about the disease-transmitting mosquitoes in New York
These 3 mosquito species are a human health concern in NY
According to Cornell University, the three mosquito groups in New York that could cause severe health issues in humans and pets are the culex, aedes and anopheles
Here is what to know about them:
Culex:
- Feeds at dusk, night and dawn
- Breeds in small pools of stagnant water
- Could cause West Nile virus and heartworm in dogs
Aedes:
- Feeds during the day
- Breeds in containers and flooded areas
- Could cause eastern equine encephalitis, Zika, and heartworm in dogs
Anopheles:
- Feeds at night and dawn
- Breeds in fresh and brackish water
- Could cause heartworm in dogs and malaria
Preventing mosquito bites, protecting your home
The best way to reduce your risk of getting a disease from mosquitoes is by preventing the bites from happening in the first place. The New York state Department of Health outlined the following tips to protect yourself from bites this year:
- Cover your skin as much as possible during mosquito-active times. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks if you are outside at sunrise, sunset, and early in the evening.
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin.
- Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
The state Department of Health suggests ensuring that you have intact screens in all of your home’s windows and doors to keep them out of your living space. Mosquitoes can reproduce in standing water, so here are the tips the state suggests to take to eliminate any chance of standing water around your house or property:
- Throw out tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or any similar water-holding containers.
- Get rid of used tires.
- Drill holes in the bottoms of outdoor recycling bins so they can completely drain.
- Clean clogged roof gutters and make sure they drain properly.
- Remove leaves and other yard waste from yards, gardens, and the edges of pools.
- Drain areas where water collects on the ground and fill with dirt or add landscaping.
- Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Change the water in birdbaths twice a week.
- Clean and put chlorine in swimming pools, outdoor saunas, hot tubs and water fountains.
- Drain water from pool covers.
— Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York state. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com
