Mosquitos Biology and Control

Mosquitos Biology and Control I

The most effective way to reduce the number of mosquitoes around homes and neighborhoods is to find and eliminate the mosquito breeding sites such as standing water. Adults of some mosquito species remain near their breeding site. Others can travel long distances, even up to several miles to find an adequate breeding site.

Mosquitoes can make human and pet life miserable. Recreational and work activities have been ruined by the constant annoyance and irritation caused by their bites. Also, some species can transmit serious diseases. While more than 50 mosquito species can be found in the United States, only a few are a significant nuisance and/or public health threat. This publication explains how and where mosquitoes breed and what can be done to reduce their numbers in and around the home and to protect yourself from bites.

MOSQUITO BIOLOGY

Successful long term mosquito control requires a  knowledge of where and how they develop. All mosquitoes pass through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The number of days from egg to adult varies with species and temperature. Under ideal conditions, some mosquitoes can complete their cycle of development from egg to adult in less than a week.

The two major groups of mosquitoes in Kentucky, Culex sp. and Aedes (Ochlerotatus) sp., have somewhat different egg-laying habits. Culex mosquitoes lay groups of eggs on the surface of water in rain barrels, bird baths, tin cans, old tires, car bodies, cisterns, roof gutters and any other containers which hold water. Aedes mosquitoes place their eggs at the base of vegetation in low lying areas that flood periodically. However, they also can deposit their eggs above the water line in artificial containers (such as tin cans, old tires, etc.) or in tree holes that hold water. These eggs will hatch when inundated with rain water.

The larval stage begins at egg hatch. Mosquito larvae, are called “wrigglers” because of their distinctive swimming style. They can be seen when they come to the surface of the water to breathe through a distinctive tube that extends from the end of their body. The larvae feed on microorganisms in the water and grow rapidly in warm weather. Full grown larvae become pupae, often called “tumblers” because they tumble end-over-end through the water. Pupae transform into adults after a few days.

Female mosquitoes are blood feeders and may live for more than a month. They generally require a blood meal before laying eggs. Mosquitoes rely on various cues to find potential hosts on which to feed. Heat, movement, exhaled carbon dioxide, and body scent allow hungry mosquitoes to home in on their prey from long and short distances. Some mosquito species feed on humans; many feed on wild and domestic birds and mammals. A few even feed on reptiles and amphibians. Adult male mosquitoes do not bite. They live 1 to 2 weeks and feed on nectar and plant juices.

Our up and coming articles will provide you with more of the  biology of mosquitos, preventive measures and remediation to protect you from the Zika virus during this period of Mosquito infestation in the New York/New Jersey area. Our business at Wildlife Busters is to eradicate from your house and business unwanted critters and insects. Contact Wildlifebsuters.com to sign up for our news- letters.