Detection and Establishment of Aedes notoscriptus (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes in Southern California, United States.

Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse), the Australian backyard mosquito, is a pestiferous daytime-biting species native to Australia and the surrounding southwestern Pacific region. It is suspected to play a role in the transmission of several arboviruses and is considered a competent vector of dog heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy). This highly adaptable mosquito thrives in natural and artificial water-holding containers in both forested and urbanized areas, from tropical to temperate climates, and has benefitted from a close association with humans, increasing in abundance within its native range.

Life Histories and Other Biological Characteristics Enabling the Establishment of in the San Gabriel Valley, California.

Since was discovered in 2011 in the San Gabriel Valley it has become widespread despite the "harsh" environmental conditions and intense efforts to control or eliminate it. Species introduced into a new area may survive, thrive, or disappear depending on whether its new environment is suitable. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District expended considerable resources from 2011 to 2015 to eradicate this invasive species or, at a minimum, control and manage its spread.

A 2015 outbreak of flea-borne rickettsiosis in San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County, California.

Although flea-borne rickettsiosis is endemic in Los Angeles County, outbreaks are rare. In the spring of 2015 three human cases of flea-borne rickettsiosis among residents of a mobile home community (MHC) prompted an investigation. Fleas were ubiquitous in common areas due to presence of flea-infested opossums and overabundant outdoor cats and dogs.

Genetic analysis of invasive Aedes albopictus populations in Los Angeles County, California and its potential public health impact.

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is an anthropophilic aggressive daytime-biting nuisance and an efficient vector of certain arboviruses and filarial nematodes. Over the last 30 years, this species has spread rapidly through human travel and commerce from its native tropical forests of Asia to every continent except Antarctica. In 2011, a population of Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was discovered in Los Angeles (LA) County, California.

Introduction and potential establishment of Aedes albopictus in California in 2001.

Aedes albopictus was discovered in Los Angeles, California, in June 2001 in a maritime cargo container from China containing a shipment of a commercial plant product known as "Lucky Bamboo" (Dracaena spp.). To keep the plants alive during the ocean transit, they were shipped in 5-8 cm of water, providing an excellent habitat for Ae.