Mosquito (Family: Culicidae) survey in Quicksilver and Sanborn Park

Aedes sierrensis is a tree hole mosquito responsible for the transmission of canine heart worm (Dirofilaria immitis) and deer body worm (Setaria yehi). Commonly found in most parts of western North America, its vicious and persistent biting behavior makes it an especially major pest mosquito. This is particularly true for Sanborn and Quicksilver Park in Santa Clara County, California where forest creeks extend into urban and suburban homes. The objective is to determine if Ae. sierrensis is able to extend its range into suburban and urban areas, as well as to measure the diversity of mosquitoes for more effective pest management. Each park area was divided into three zones: Forest, suburban, and urban. Mosquitoes were caught using Encephalitis Vector Survey (EVS) traps. We found a distinct difference in diversity between each zone for both areas. However, the range of Ae. sierrensis did not extend much into urban areas for either area. The suburban zone in Quicksilver had a much larger Ae. sierrensis presence than Sanborn which may be due to much of Quicksilvers suburbia being in deeper areas of the park. This may show Ae. sierrensis’  weakness in exploiting more urbanized habitats. This information will allow for more effective and efficient mosquito management in both parks.