SAN DIEGO — The invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitos, often known as "yellow fever" or "ankle biter" mosquitos, have been found in San Diego County.
"I honestly call it the ankle biter mosquito because that's how most people run into it," said Allison Bray, a supervising environmental health specialist.
She says these mosquitos are small with white stripes on the legs and back. This species of mosquito were first discovered in our region about 10 years ago.
"These mosquitos are able to transmit diseases like dengue, yellow fever, zika and chikungunya," she said.
Health officials haven't seen the mosquitos spread these diseases in San Diego County but with them here, there's potential for transmission.
"Some of the ways in which they're different from other mosquitos you see is that they bite during the daytime and tend to bite more than once," she said.
They can thrive both indoors and outside and love water. Bray says they can breed in as little as one-quarter inch of water. To keep them away, it's best to dump out any standing water in flowerpots, buckets and other containers around your home. Make sure to use bug spray to protect yourself.
"If you drink beer they actually will be a little bit more attracted to you. These Aedes mosquitos are really attracted to the way our skin smells," she said.
You can expect to see more of these mosquitos as temperatures get warmer. She says their peak season in San Diego County typically begins in July and lasts through October.
WATCH RELATED: Rain, standing water create prime conditions for start of mosquito season