Mosquitoes in the Home
When mosquitoes enter your home through an open door or window, they typically rest in dark, hidden areas. They become active at night, searching for a blood meal. Homeowners often find mosquitoes under sinks, in closets, or in laundry rooms.

Mosquitoes in the Yard
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, making properties near ponds, marshes, and areas that collect rainwater particularly at risk. While some mosquito species are active at different times of the day, most emerge just before dusk and remain active at night.

Mosquitoes can transmit several dangerous illnesses to humans, including the Zika virus, which is particularly concerning for pregnant women as it may lead to birth defects. In the U.S., more common mosquito-borne diseases include West Nile virus and various types of encephalitis. These diseases can have serious side effects. According to a recent CDC statement, the number of illnesses caused by mosquito bites tripled between 2004 and 2016.

Signs of mosquito activity include the buzzing of female mosquitoes and their potential bites. People react differently to bites, with responses ranging from mild irritation to intense inflammation and swelling. The presence of standing water creates an ideal environment for mosquito reproduction. Nymphs are often found in standing water areas such as pet water bowls, potted plants, bird feeders, and stagnant ponds.

Yes, pest control can effectively remove mosquitoes through an integrated effort that involves source reduction (identifying and eliminating areas where mosquitoes can reproduce) and the use of chemical products when necessary. Mosquito treatment can also help remove other pests, such as spotted lanternflies.

Mosquitoes are best known for the habits of adult females, which often feed on blood to help generate their eggs. Lesser known is that adult mosquitoes, both males and females, also feed on nectar from flowers. Their immature stages usually are located in standing, preferably stagnant, water. The larvae feed on various materials, depending on the species.

What Do Mosquito Larvae Eat?
Most larvae consume organic flotsam and tiny aquatic organisms. However, some species are predatory and will consume other mosquitoes. Adult mosquitoes prefer to be most active from dusk until dawn but can become active with sufficient cloud cover or in dark, shady areas. They do not prefer to be active in the sunshine, as they may desiccate and die.

Mosquitoes or Flies?
Mosquitoes can be confused with flies. Mosquitoes have long legs and a long proboscis, or “nose,” that female mosquitoes use to “bite” people and pets to draw blood, needed to lay eggs. Most flies won’t bite, and even long-legged flies are usually much smaller than mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are pesky pests and can spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, dengue, and malaria. More commonly, though, mosquitoes threaten family events more than health.

Wormlike larvae, called wigglers due to their wiggling swimming motion, hatch and feed until they are ready to molt into pupae. The pupae are called tumblers, named for their tumbling motion in the water. Adults emerge from the pupae onto the water surface, where their exoskeleton hardens.

Males have feathery antennae that they use to locate females. After mating, females typically seek a blood meal to aid in egg production. They often lay eggs in standing pools of water, but manmade sources such as bird baths, buckets, and mud puddles can also be utilized. Egg numbers vary by species but can reach over 100 eggs in a single laying.

Difference between Male and Female Mosquitoes
Most of the differences between male and female mosquitoes are difficult to see without magnification, but some are noticeable with the naked eye:

Females Bite: Male adult mosquitoes do not feed on blood, while females do. However, a few species of female mosquitoes do not consume blood at all and feed only on plant nectar and sugars, like males.

Proboscis: The mosquito’s feeding tube (proboscis) that extends from the mouth area is relatively smooth in females and somewhat bushy in males.

Antennae: The antennae of mosquitoes, which help with their sense of hearing, are very feathery and large in males compared to the smoother, less feathery appearance of females.

Size Difference: Generally, male mosquitoes are smaller than females of the same species and have shorter lifespans.

Understanding these differences helps in identifying and managing mosquito populations effectively.

Citronella, peppermint, and eucalyptus are recognized for their ability to repel mosquitoes. Yet, in cases of severe infestation, relying solely on these scents may prove insufficient, necessitating professional pest control assistance. For help with mosquito control, contact a Unity Property & Pest expert.