About Mosquitoes
The word mosquito is derived from two Spanish words that mean “little fly.” Though small in stature, these flying pests feed on human and animal blood and have the potential to do great harm. Because of the diseases they spread, more deaths are attributed to mosquitoes than any other animal worldwide.
Mosquitoes are descended from flies, becoming the insect we know now over 200 million years ago. Of the known 3,500 species, 175 live in the United States. Texas is purported to be home to the most species, with 85, while West Virginia is thought to have the least at 26. Not only are mosquitoes known for disrupting outdoor activities, but they are also vectors for dangerous diseases.
We have over 80 mosquito species in Florida, including disease vectors for Zika, dengue, West Nile virus, and malaria. The invasive Asian tiger mosquito is a major threat to spreading dengue and chikungunya across the state.
Drawn to standing water and capable of laying up to 3,000 eggs in a lifetime, it’s no wonder that mosquitoes are one of the top nuisance pests in the US and Florida in particular, with over 7,500 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, and approximately 12k miles of rivers in the sunshine state alone!
What do mosquitoes look like?
Depending on the species, mosquitoes can grow an inch long, though most common varieties in the U.S. are much smaller. Their bodies comprise a head, thorax, abdomen, two wings, two compound eyes, two simple eyes, and a serrated proboscis. Only the female mosquito bites, using the proboscis to pierce her victim’s skin and inject saliva containing an anticoagulant enzyme that aids bloodsucking.
Female mosquitoes attract males by beating their wings at a rate of up to 500 times per second. The female will seek out a protein-providing blood meal and, once fed, rest for a couple of days before laying hundreds of eggs in stagnant water. After one to four days, eggs develop into larvae, which are small worms called wigglers. Wigglers remain in the water for the first 10-14 days, feeding on organic matter before turning into a partially cocooned pupa. After this stage lasts a few days, the pupa become adult mosquitoes. On average, the male mosquito lives 10 days, while the female can survive up to two months. During their lifetime, females lay eggs approximately every three days.
What are the unique characteristics of mosquitoes?
Both male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar from flowers, but the female requires blood to reproduce. Mosquitoes feed both day and night and are capable of drinking up to three times their body weight in blood. While some species exclusively seek out human hosts, others specifically target birds, reptiles, or other types of animals.
Mosquitoes are actually slow-moving insects, flying at a maximum speed of a mile-and-a-half per hour. They tend to stay within three miles and fly no more than 25 feet above the ground.
What are the habits of mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes prefer dark colors and are attracted to their victims by smell, heat, and motion. They migrate to carbon dioxide exhaled during breathing. Pregnant women, larger people, and those who are exercising tend to give off more carbon dioxide and are, therefore, more likely to be bitten. Body heat attracts mosquitoes; they use heat sensors to seek out an exposed part of their victim’s body where blood is close to the surface. Sweat and body odor — or, more specifically, the bacteria they contain — draw mosquitoes, especially those that carry malaria. Some humans also give off secretions that are enticing to mosquitoes.
Where are mosquitoes commonly found?
Mosquitoes are found throughout the world, except in:
- Antarctica
- Iceland
- French Polynesia
- New Caledonia
- Seychelles
Mosquitoes thrive in warm locales with high humidity and are most abundant in spring, summer, and fall, appearing in southern Florida as early as February! They are typically active at all times of the day but tend to migrate to cooler locations when the temperature is extremely hot. During temperatures below 50°F, females will hibernate, holding onto their eggs until the temperature rises.
What are the risks of mosquitoes?
When a mosquito bites, the saliva passed creates an allergic reaction that can result in red, itchy bumps or welts. These areas can become inflamed and, if scratched to excess, cause secondary skin infections.
Mosquitoes spread deadly diseases that include malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus, yellow fever, encephalitis, elephantiasis, and Zika virus. While these are more common in other countries, causing millions of death each year, cases also occur in the United States, including here in Florida. Mosquito attacks can be especially harmful to children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, and can also cause birth defects in unborn children. Mosquitoes also pass parasites and diseases to animals, including heartworms, which can be fatal to dogs.
In order to protect your loved ones and your furry friends, it's important to practice ongoing mosquito control so you can enjoy the outside without the fear of biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks!
DIY Mosquito Treatments
Some do-it-yourself treatments may help manage small mosquito populations:
- Apply an over-the-counter insecticide. These will kill mosquitoes on contact but will not prevent new ones.
- Add bacteria called bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (or Bti) to water where larvae are found. Bti produces proteins that become toxins once ingested by the larvae.
- Place mosquito traps in infested areas. These traps are capable of killing thousands of mosquitoes per day.
- Avoid bug zappers. While these machines kill other types of insects, they have proven to be ineffective for mosquito problems.
Mosquitoes pose a serious health hazard and should be professionally treated if found in large numbers.
Mosquito Prevention Tips
Multiple preventive techniques can be employed to keep mosquitoes at bay.
- Keep standing water to a minimum. Even small amounts of stagnant water offer excellent breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Birdbaths, toys, gutters, non-chlorinated pools, plant containers, and poorly drained lawns are all potential havens for mosquitoes.
- Repair torn screens and close gaps where mosquitoes can enter your home.
- Add mosquito-repelling plants like citronella or the lemon-scented geranium to your landscape.
- Use fans to break down carbon dioxide and blow mosquitoes away.
- Add gambusia fish (also called mosquitofish) to ponds. They feed on mosquito larvae.
- Wear clothing and shoes to cover exposed skin.
- Burn pinion wood in your outdoor fire pit. Mosquitoes do not like its smell.
- Sprinkle used coffee grounds in standing water. They force mosquito eggs to the surface, depriving them of necessary oxygen.
- Use red cedar mulch or chips in your yard.
- Apply an insect-repelling spray or lotion that contains DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil, or picaridin.
- Hang a bat house to attract bats to your yard for natural mosquito control. A single big brown bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in one hour!