Mosquitoes

Overview

Mosquitoes are small, flying insects in the family Culicidae. There are approximately 3,500 species worldwide, with about 200 found in the United States. Only female mosquitoes bite — they need blood protein to develop their eggs. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on Earth, responsible for transmitting diseases that kill hundreds of thousands of people each year, including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis.

Identification

• Small (3–6 mm), slender body with long legs and a long proboscis for piercing skin
• One pair of wings with scales along the veins
• Aedes mosquitoes: black with white stripe markings, day-biters, carry Zika and dengue
• Culex mosquitoes: brownish, dusk-to-dawn biters, primary vector for West Nile virus
• Anopheles mosquitoes: brown with spotted wings, rest at 45° angle, carry malaria

Behavior & Habitat

Females locate hosts by detecting carbon dioxide, body heat, and body odors from up to 150 feet away. After feeding, they rest for 2–3 days while eggs develop, then lay 100–200 eggs on or near standing water. The entire life cycle (egg → larva → pupa → adult) takes 7–14 days depending on temperature. Most species are most active at dawn and dusk, though Aedes mosquitoes bite aggressively during the day.

Signs of Infestation

• Itchy, raised red welts appearing within minutes of a bite
• Buzzing sound near ears, especially at night
• Mosquitoes resting on shaded exterior walls or under eaves
• Larvae (wigglers) visible in standing water — birdbaths, gutters, flower pot saucers
• High activity near dawn and dusk in warm months

Prevention Tips

• Eliminate all standing water — empty flower pot saucers, clean gutters, fix drainage
• Change birdbath water at least weekly
• Keep swimming pools properly chlorinated and filtered
• Use screens on all windows and doors; repair any tears
• Wear long sleeves and EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors during peak hours

Professional Treatment

Professional mosquito control uses an integrated approach. Larvicide treatments target breeding sites before adults emerge. Barrier spray treatments (applied to vegetation, fences, and shaded areas) create a residual zone that kills adult mosquitoes on contact for up to 3 weeks. Seasonal mosquito programs with regular treatments provide the best ongoing protection throughout warm months.