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Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are pesky nuisances and carriers of some of the world’s deadliest diseases. From their life cycle to their habitats, understanding mosquitoes is the first step in effective control and prevention. Let Mint Pest Control guide you through the intricacies of these winged pests and offer professional solutions to keep them at bay.

Identification

Mosquitoes (Culicidae) are small, slender, flying insects with long, tube-like mouthparts that allow them to pierce the skin of their hosts and feed on blood. Males have bushy antennae, while females have less hairy antennae. Most species’ females are responsible for the itchy bites, as they require blood to develop their eggs.

Common Mosquitoes Species

Culex Mosquitoes

Identification: Culex mosquitoes are medium-sized mosquitoes known for their pale and dark scaling pattern on the wings. They typically have a blunt abdomen and often hold their bodies parallel to their resting surface.

Habitat: These mosquitoes prefer temperate to tropical regions and are particularly prevalent in urban and suburban areas. They breed in stagnant, polluted waters like ditches, storm drains, old tires, and bird baths.

Diseases: Culex mosquitoes are primary vectors for West Nile, St. Louis, and Japanese encephalitis. They can also transmit lymphatic filariasis and avian malaria.

Interesting Fact: Unlike many other species, Culex mosquitoes tend to feed primarily during the evening and overnight hours.

Anopheles Mosquitoes

Identification: Anopheles mosquitoes are recognized by their long palpi (sensory organs) and spotted wings. When at rest, they position themselves at a 45-degree angle relative to the surface.

Habitat: They inhabit various environments but are particularly common in humid regions and near freshwater sources. Their breeding habitats often include shallow water bodies, such as marshes, rice fields, and small puddles.

Diseases: Anopheles mosquitoes are notorious for being the primary vectors of malaria, a disease that affects millions worldwide. Some species within this genus can also transmit lymphatic filariasis and the O'nyong'nyong virus.

Interesting Fact: Only female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria. They require blood meals to develop their eggs, and in the process, they might ingest and later transmit the malaria parasite to other hosts.

Aedes Mosquitoes

Identification: Aedes mosquitoes are easily distinguishable due to their unique black and white striped pattern on their body and legs. They have a pointed abdomen and are usually quite aggressive biters.

Habitat: These mosquitoes favor tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones. They typically lay eggs in clean, stagnant water sources, including flower pots, old tires, and containers. They're known to breed even in small amounts of water.

Diseases: Aedes mosquitoes are vectors for several significant diseases, including Zika virus, dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever. They can also transmit the Mayaro and Rift Valley fever viruses.

Interesting Fact: Aedes mosquitoes are day biters, with peaks during early morning and late afternoon. Their biting habits and ability to transmit various diseases make them especially concerning for public health.

Life cycle of mosquito in the pond

Life cycle & breeding grounds

Mosquitoes undergo a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

    • Egg: Laid on the surface of stagnant water and hatch into larvae within 48 hours.

    • Larva: Lives in the water, feeding on organic material. It sheds its skin (molts) several times as it grows.

    • Pupa: The transitional stage before becoming an adult. It does not feed during this time.

    • Adult: Emerges from the pupal stage and lives for about a month, depending on environmental conditions.

Stagnant water sources are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Common breeding sites include buckets, old tires, gutters, birdbaths, ponds, and any object that can hold water for more than a few days.

Diseases and health concerns

Mosquitoes are vectors for numerous diseases. Some of the most prevalent include:

    • Malaria

    • Dengue

    • Zika virus

    • West Nile virus

    • Chikungunya

Protection from mosquito bites is crucial, especially in areas where these diseases are endemic.

Close-up of a mosquito sucking blood

How to eliminate Mosquitoes

    • Remove Stagnant Water: Regularly check and empty containers that might hold water in your yard.

    • Use Repellents: Apply mosquito repellent on exposed skin and clothing when venturing outdoors.

    • Install Mosquito Nets: These are especially crucial for bedrooms and other resting areas.

    • Natural Predators: Introduce fish like goldfish or guppies in stagnant water bodies. They feed on mosquito larvae.

    • Mosquito Traps: Devices that emit carbon dioxide can lure and trap mosquitoes.

    • Professional Treatment: Consider professional pest control treatments if you suspect infestations or for preventive measures.

FAQs

How long do mosquitoes live? 

On average, adult mosquitoes live 2 weeks to a month. However, their larvae can overwinter and emerge as adults with favorable conditions.

Why do mosquito bites itch?

The itching from a mosquito bite comes from a reaction to the mosquito's saliva, which they introduce to the host during the feeding process.

Are all mosquitoes dangerous?

While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, treating all mosquito bites seriously is essential due to the potential risk.

What time of day are mosquitoes most active?

While many species are most active during dawn and dusk, others can bite anytime.

Where do mosquitoes hide?

If you find yourself fighting off a swarm of mosquitoes every time you attempt to go outside, there are a few places you can check to see if they may be the source of the infestation:

    • Bushes or planters

    • Near pools or lakes

    • Near trees

    • In gardens

    • Around decks & patios

If you can pinpoint the source of where the mosquitoes are hiding and possibly breeding, then you can get rid of them. You can use a mosquito repellent or spray to eliminate the mosquitoes.

How do I keep mosquitoes away from my yard?

It can be difficult to keep mosquitoes from returning even after you have sprayed for them. This is where a professional pest control service comes in handy - with consistent, effective treatments, we can help ensure mosquitoes stay gone for good. We offer a recurring service that helps treat for mosquitoes, especially during their most active months.

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We deploy an arsenal of environmentally responsible and effective UV and water-resistant products which include micro-encapsulated formulas that target pests and ensure long-lasting protection.

Inspect

We thoroughly inspect a property to detect pest activity, possible points of entry and the most effective treatments.

Report

Our team will provide a report with inspection results and our professional recommendations for the most effective treatments.

Implement

Using our proprietary 4 Season Eco-Bloc Technology, we address all agreed-upon issues. We maintain ongoing reporting for easy referencing.

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