Mosquito research yields ‘unexpected discovery’ in Florida backyards

A new study from the University of Florida has been released, exposing where many mosquito bites may be happening.In a release, officials with the UF/IFAS discussed the results of the study, which reportedly examined residential yards and other areas of Indian River County.An ‘unexpected discovery’During the study, researchers thought they would find more Aedes albopictus, a breed of mosquito that can spread the dengue virus. Instead, Aedes aegypti — another breed that’s capable of spreading the virus — was more common in the yards they studied.[RELATED: Seminole County ramps up mosquito control amid dengue fever concerns]“It was definitely surprising to find that we saw more Aedes aegypti,” said study co-author Panpim Thongsripong. “We expected to find more Aedes albopictus in suburban Indian River County because of the area’s vegetation and residential setting.”The discovery is important, as researchers said that Aedes aegypti are known for breeding in containers around people’s home