Mosquito Identification
Worldwide, roughly 3,000 different species of mosquitoes feed on various lifeforms, including humans. Their bodies are narrow with hairy wings and extended, straw-like mouths. They are also characterized by that notorious buzz you hear in your ear as they fly by you.
- Family: Mosquitoes belong to the Culicidae family. Although the family includes other blood-feeding predators, mosquitoes are unique with their long proboscis, which many experts consider to be highly specialized biting mouthparts.
- Size: Mosquitoes can range in size from 1/2 inch long up to 2 inches. Size varies, depending on the species, with the Australian elephant mosquito coming in at a whopping 1.5 inches.
- Color: Mosquitoes’ color and markings vary, depending on the species.
- Legs: These pests are insects with six legs.
Types of Mosquitoes
Inland Floodwater Mosquito
Common House Mosquito
Signs of Mosquitoes
Hearing that characteristic buzz — an unpleasant, high-pitched, noticeable sound — is one of the signs you’re dealing with a mosquito situation. Other signs of a possible problem include the following:
Frequent Bites
Male mosquitoes feed on plant nectar. Only females supplement their diet with a blood meal. In fact, female mosquitoes need to feed on blood to produce eggs. So, if you’re getting bitten while in your home or on your property, you likely have females looking for a place to lay their eggs.
Seeing Mosquitoes Day and Night
Mosquitoes tend to be more active from dusk until dawn. If you see many buzzing mosquitoes outside of that timeframe, you likely have an infestation on your property.
Presence of Standing Water
Where there’s standing water, there’s almost surely a mosquito population just waiting to hatch. Common sources include kids’ pools, bird baths, clogged gutters, wheelbarrows, and empty flowerpots. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in even a tiny bit of standing water — sometimes as little as 1/4 inch.
How Do I Get Rid Of Mosquitos?
Stopping mosquitoes from dropping by in the first place is most important. Always wear bug spray when you’re outdoors to deter the mosquitoes in your yard from coming around. Other ways to get rid of these pests include:
- Use natural repellents like citronella, castor, and cinnamon to scare off mosquitoes. Light a citronella candle and use the smoke to push the mosquitoes away. Try planting natural repellents like marigolds, lavender, and citronella grass to ward off these insects.
- Switch your lighting. Mosquitoes love white light, so using yellow, sodium, or LED bulbs won’t interest them.
- Add a fan to outdoor spaces. The moving air makes it harder for them to fly in those areas and prevents them from locating their hosts. Research from Consumer Reports demonstrates a 45% to 65% reduction in mosquito landings just by adding a fan.
Mosquito Facts
Lifespan
Mosquitoes have four stages to their lifecycle. Eggs can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to hatch. The larvae develop into the pupae stage in as little as five days, and pupae become flying adults within two to three days. Male mosquitoes have a shorter lifespan than females. Male adults live an average of six to seven days, while females average six weeks.
Food Sources
In their larval phase, mosquitoes feed on microorganisms within the water where they hatch. Adult males feed on plant nectar, and females feed on both nectar and blood.
Reproduction
Mosquitoes mate quickly after reaching adulthood. Females must feed on blood to produce and nourish eggs, which they lay directly on a water source or near one. Eggs hatch in the water, and the lifecycle continues.
Risk of Disease
Mosquitoes can spread germs that make humans and animals sick. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control have identified numerous mosquito-borne viruses and parasites, including:
- Heartworms (dogs)
- Malaria
- West Nile
- Zika
- Yellow Fever
- Dengue
- Chikungunya
Where Are Mosquitoes Found?
Mosquitoes can be found worldwide, particularly in warm, moist areas. Mosquitoes can live in and around water. They also live in forests, marshes, and grassy areas.
When Are Mosquitoes Active?
Mosquitoes typically hibernate during cold weather and only become active once temperatures reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit or more. They thrive in heat and humidity and tend to be more active between the hours of sunset and sunrise.
More Information About Mosquitos
How to Keep Mosquitoes Away & Prevent Bites
Mosquito Life Cycle
Preparing for Mosquito Season
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mosquitoes transmit diseases?
Yes. Mosquitoes can carry numerous parasites and viruses.
How do you get rid of mosquito bites?
Wash the bite with warm water and soap. Apply an ice pack for approximately 10 minutes. You can also apply a paste of baking soda and water for 10 minutes to help reduce itching.
What attracts mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are drawn to elements like carbon dioxide (from your breath) and components in human sweat, such as uric acid, ammonia, and lactic acid. They also prefer hanging out in shady spots and areas in and around water.
What plants repel mosquitoes?
Many plants help naturally ward off these pests, including basil, mint, rosemary, lavender, citronella grass, bee balm, and marigolds.
What eats mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes have various natural predators, including birds, bats, and fish (mosquito fish, goldfish, bass, and catfish). Other predators include tadpoles and frogs, dragonflies, predacious mosquitoes, damselflies, and spiders.
Can mosquitoes bite through clothes?
Bare skin offers the easiest access, but mosquitoes can bite through thin, tight fabrics, too.
How do you keep mosquitoes away?
Add screens to doors and windows, use bug spray to protect yourself, and apply the appropriate insecticides for indoor or outdoor use. Regularly empty any sources of standing water and add a fan to outdoor areas to keep them mosquito-free.
