Feb 9, 2021 Aedes scapularis has appeared in Miami-Dade County, officials confirmed today. Researchers say the species has also been detected in Broward County. Pet owners need to keep a close watch on their animals since the invasive mosquito species can be a vector of yellow fever, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, and dog heartworm. The mosquitos are typically found in areas including South America, Central America, and up through Mexico. Extreme south Texas and some Caribbean islands have also seen evidence of this mosquito.
Miami-Dade Mosquito Control monitors hundreds of traps on a weekly basis.
Florida is also home to Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos which are known vectors of Zika.