New Orleans’ warm, humid Gulf Coast climate—paired with frequent rainfall and lots of nearby water—creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes across much of the year. From canals, ditches, and low-lying drainage areas to backyard gutters, birdbaths, and shaded patios, mosquitoes in the New Orleans area can stay active for long stretches, with the heaviest pressure typically building from spring into summer and easing in the fall.
Louisiana has about 68 mosquito species, but only a small number account for most of the biting, nuisance activity, and potential disease concerns people deal with day-to-day around New Orleans.
Perhaps the most recognizable mosquito in New Orleans 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.
