Actual Size: 3-6 mm, though some species can be as large as 19 mmCharacteristics: A small stinging insect that uses a proboscis. Males feed on nectar and females feed on blood.
Behavior:
Mosquitos are characterized by the use of a stinging proboscis. This makes the female of the species an ectoparasite.
Males typically live 5-7 days, while females can live up to 2 weeks.
There are many species of mosquito within the United States, and thousands globally.
Mosquitos are vectors for disease, including malaria, yellow fever, and the West Nile Virus.
Eggs are typically laid in pools of stagnant water, and hatch within two days.
Mosquitos frequent areas shaded from the sun, and typically feed at dawn or dusk.
Mosquitos are notorious backyard pests, infiltrating both urban and rural areas. Known for their annoying sound and itch-causing bite, mosquitos have become infamous sources of discomfort. All mosquitos feed on nectar and fruit juices, while only the females subsist on blood. In addition to humans, female mosquitos also feed on mammals, including livestock, pets, and other animals. Mosquitos are typically active at dawn or dusk, because of cooler temperatures. The female of the species will choose a protected area to lay her eggs, sheltered from the sun and full of stagnant water, and mosquitos are most active during spring and summer. Their larvae typically emerge after two days.
Problems With Mosquitos
Mosquito bites are itchy because of the saliva injected into the bite site, and humans can have varying physical reactions to this saliva, including allergies. Mosquitos are also known for carrying dangerous pathogens and parasites, some of which can have fatal consequences. The most well-known diseases include yellow fever, West Nile Virus, malaria, dengue fever, and the Zika virus.
Types of Mosquito
Cattail Mosquito
The cattail mosquito exists throughout the United States. This species makes its home among cattail marshes and other freshwater vegetation. This kind of protected, sheltered area makes an ideal location for the females to lay their eggs. The cattail mosquito is brown in color, typically 1/4″ long, with speckled white spots.
Winter Mosquito
The winter mosquito can be found throughout North America, breeding and flourishing in water. They will populate any stagnant body of water, including puddles, ditches, ponds, and pools. These locations are also where the female will lay her eggs. The winter mosquito is most active during warm months, despite its name. The females will bite humans but prefer other sources from warmer-blooded mammals. These mosquitos can carry and transmit diseases, including West Nile virus and equine encephalitis.
Southern House Mosquito
Southern house mosquitos are typically brown. They hunt from evening until morning, targeting mostly birds, and will feed from humans as well. This species can be found in the southern half of the United States, and they carry many pathogens, some of which can be transferred to humans, including West Nile virus and equine encephalitis.
Preventing Mosquitos
The first step to eliminating mosquitos from a backyard or surrounding area is to eliminate all sources of standing water. Irrigation methods and drains should be carefully monitored. Regular maintenance of gutters, bird pools, garbage areas, and any gardening pots should be performed as well. Eliminating desirable breeding grounds is the most important step toward preventing mosquito infestations.
There are plants that can help repel mosquitos that can be added to any garden or outdoor space, including marigold, lemongrass, and lavender. There are also various anti-mosquito tools for individuals to use, including covering extremities, using bug spray, and employing mosquito nets when sleeping.
Eliminating and Controlling Mosquito Infestations
Mosquitos are more than a nuisance; they can cause serious diseases. If a backyard or other outdoor area is beginning to show signs of an infestation, a seasoned pest control professional can help you identify all the possible places where mosquito larvae are thriving. Call Pest Control Inc. today for more information on our residential pest control and commercial extermination services.
