Mosquito

Identification

Mosquitoes are small, flying insects that can be a nuisance and a health threat to humans and animals. They are known for their biting habits and their ability to transmit diseases such as West Nile virus.

They belong to the order Diptera, which means “two wings”. They have a pair of wings, a pair of antennae, and a long mouthpart called a proboscis that they use to pierce the skin and suck blood. There are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide, but one of the most common in Madison Wisconsin is the Culex Mosquito.

Lifecycle

Mosquitoes go through complete metamorphosis, which means they have four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female mosquitoes are the only ones that can lay eggs. In order to develop eggs, the female needs a blood meal. With each blood meal, the female can lay several hundred eggs. The eggs are laid in or around water and will attach to one another, forming a raft. Individual eggs will float independently. After 24 to 48 hours, the eggs will hatch and release larvae. Larvae are also called wrigglers because they move by jerking their bodies. They feed on organic matter and microorganisms in the water. They breathe through a tube called a siphon that extends from their tail end to the water surface. The larvae molt four times before becoming pupae. Pupae are also called tumblers because they tumble when disturbed. They do not feed but breathe through two tubes called trumpets that extend from their thorax to the water surface. Pupae molt once more before emerging as adults. Adults rest on the water surface until their wings dry and harden. The whole life cycle can take from 10 days to several weeks depending on the temperature and species.

How They Reproduce

Mosquitoes reproduce in late summer or fall. They mate by swarming in the air or near the ground. Male mosquitoes have feathery antennae that help them detect the buzzing sound of female wings. After mating, females seek out a blood meal from a host such as a human or an animal. Blood provides protein and iron that are essential for egg production. Females can detect hosts by sensing their body heat, odor, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid. 

Conditions Conducive to Survival

Mosquitoes need two things to survive: water and blood. They can be found in nature as well as in buildings where these conditions are present.

In Nature

In nature, mosquitoes can be found in wood piles, tall grass, tree holes and other similar areas. They are most active at dawn and dusk when the temperature and humidity are optimal.

In a Structure

In a structure, mosquitoes can be found in areas with standing water such as wading pools, flowerpots, plant saucers, and garbage cans. These are all potential breeding sites that can hold standing water for more than a week. Mosquitoes may also enter through open doors or windows or through cracks or gaps in walls or screens.

Where They Live

Mosquitoes live in moist habitats near water sources where they can breed and feed. They spend most of their time resting on vegetation or other surfaces near their hosts or breeding sites. They fly short distances to find blood meals or mates.

How They Winter

Mosquitoes have different strategies to survive the winter depending on their species and location. Some species overwinter as eggs that hatch when temperatures rise, and water levels increase. Some species overwinter as larvae that burrow into the mud or debris at the bottom of ponds or streams. Some species overwinter as adults that seek shelter in hollow logs or animal burrows.

Evidence Found During Inspection

When inspecting a structure for mosquitoes, you will want to identify the breeding sources, as well as the resting and staging areas where mosquitoes spend most of their time. Source reduction is the best way to prevent and control mosquitoes. By eliminating standing water that mosquitoes need to lay their eggs, most mosquitoes will be prevented from reproducing. You will also want to look for signs of mosquito activity such as buzzing sounds, bites, or blood spots on walls or furniture.

Fun Facts

• Only female mosquito’s bite. Females are the only ones that bite because they need the protein from blood to produce their eggs.
• Mosquitoes do prefer to bite some people over others. Mosquitoes are attracted to a combination of body heat, odor, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid. Depending on the chemical makeup of your body, you may be more or less attractive to mosquitoes than others.
• Colors matter to mosquitoes. After indulging in a blood meal, female mosquitoes are attracted to dark places to hide and digest their meal. Wearing dark colors may make you more visible to them.

Kwik Kill Services to control Mosquitoes

• Mosquito Management 

Additional Information:

https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7400
https://extension.arizona.edu/mosquito-resources
https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publichealth/insects/mosquito.html