Tuesday afternoon we learned that in September there was a species of mosquito found that was new to the area. The concern is that this mosquito can be a carrier of the West Nile Virus and it's eggs can make it through the winter months.

The discovery came from an official with the Sioux Falls Health Department who regularly checks traps that are around the city and reported a "different looking mosquito." Entomologist Mike Catangui then asked for daytime trapping that led to three more specimens being trapped in just the next two days.

The different specimens were found to be Japanese Rock Mosquitoes, also known as Asian Bush Mosquitoes. No matter what you call it the bottom line is that it's a potential vector of the West Nile Virus. The finding could immediately change mosquito control in Sioux Falls.

Catangui said "this species is a daytime biting mosquito, and if we find it has established itself here, it may lead to changes in control measures used in the state." Furthermore this species can pose a longer term threat because its eggs can last through winter in stagnant water. That would be water found in tires, buckets, or birdbaths amongst other things.

While the species is a vector for West Nile, significant increases in the virus or other illnesses have not been documented in areas where the mosquito has an established population.

Catangui also told us, "we are in luck, so to speak, because we found it now and can use the time winter allows to continue study and to prepare for possible changes in both surveillance and control measures in 2010."

If you have anything that holds water you should probably make sure it stays empty so the mosquitoes' eggs can't survive.

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