(Ames, IA) — An invasive species of mosquito appears to be surviving Iowa’s winters. Discoveries of the mosquito have been made in three Iowa counties.
Researchers at Iowa State University say the winter cold had killed them in the past. Now they have been found in Lee, Des Moines, and Polk counties. That means they will likely establish a permanent home in Iowa.
The invasive mosquitos first showed up in Texas almost 40 years ago. They don’t spread West Nile Virus, but scientists say they are a “competent vector” for Zika and other viruses.
