Covington’s warm, humid Northshore climate—paired with frequent rain and plenty of nearby water and shade—creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes across much of the year. From wooded neighborhoods, ditches and drainage swales, and retention ponds to backyard gutters, birdbaths, and shaded patios, mosquitoes in St. Tammany Parish can stay active for long stretches, with the heaviest pressure typically ramping up from late spring through early fall (and sometimes earlier when spring rains arrive fast).
Louisiana has over 60 species of mosquitoes, but only a small number account for most of the biting, nuisance activity, and the potential disease concerns people think about day-to-day around Covington.
Perhaps the most recognizable mosquito in Covington thanks to its black-and-white striped legs and aggressive biting behavior.
Active mostly during the daytime, especially early morning and late afternoon.
Breeds in small amounts of standing water — flowerpots, gutters, birdbaths, yard debris, and even bottle caps.
Known for being highly resilient and a major nuisance in residential areas.
Less common than Aedes albopictus in Louisiana but still present in warmer urban pockets.
Prefers to live close to human homes and bites primarily during the day.
Known globally as a vector for Zika, dengue, and yellow fever — though these diseases are not typically transmitted locally in Louisiana.
These nighttime-biting mosquitoes are most active from dusk through early morning.
They prefer stagnant, organic-rich water such as storm drains, ditches, birdbaths, clogged gutters, and ponds.
Main carriers of West Nile virus in Louisiana, which is detected in mosquito pools across the Atlanta metro area each summer.
Populations increase significantly during hot, humid weather following heavy rain.
Found near ponds, marshes, and still bodies of freshwater.
Active mostly at night and around dusk.
Historically associated with malaria transmission in the United States, though malaria is no longer endemic in Louisiana.
