Despite its arid climate, the Permian Basin supports several mosquito species, especially around farms, oilfield sites, irrigation canals, and areas with temporary standing water. A few of these species are known for aggressive biting, while others are connected to disease transmission like West Nile virus.
Most common after rainstorms or flooding in ranchlands and roadside ditches.
Aggressive biter active at dawn and dusk.
Populations appear quickly after rainfall, then decline in dry spells.
Increasing presence in urban areas like Midland and Odessa.
Daytime biter that prefers human environments—water bowls, planters, buckets, tires.
Known vector for dengue and Zika elsewhere, though local transmission is rare.
Black-and-white striped mosquito, active at daylight hours.
Breeds in small containers and shaded residential areas.
Highly aggressive and common where irrigation or landscaping moisture exists.
Most active at night, especially during warm and humid conditions.
Breeds in stagnant or polluted water—storm drains, livestock troughs, wastewater sites.
Main vector of West Nile virus in West Texas.
