MOSQUITO IDENTIFICATION & PREVENTION

What are mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are flying, blood-sucking insects found throughout the world. Adult mosquitoes have slender gray or black bodies measuring ¼ an inch to ½ an inch. They also have slim legs and wings. They have a long, tube-like projection that they use to feed, called a proboscis. 

Females use the protein and amino acids they get from a blood meal to produce eggs. A female mosquito can produce between 100 to 200 eggs that hatch within 24 to 48 hours. They experience four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. 

After a few days, a mosquito transitions between each life stage. Many mosquitoes enter the adult stage after two to three days as pupae. Depending on their species, adult mosquitoes can live for a week or a few months. 

Female mosquitoes drink blood, and males drink nectar. They use a unique organ called a maxillary palp to follow the smell of CO2 chemicals released from our breath. They’re also attracted to the lactic acid from our sweat.

Some of the most common mosquito species our customers deal with include:

Aedes aegypti (Yellow fever mosquito)

Aedes aegypti have white markings on them and a lyre-shaped marking on their thorax. They originate from Africa, and measure between four to eight millimeters long.

Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito)

Aedes albopictus is active during the day and breeds in natural or artificial water containers, such as trees or used tires. They have black and white stripes on their legs and bodies and are about ¼ of an inch long.

Culex pipiens (common house mosquito)

Culex pipiens is active at dusk and after dark. It grows to be about ¼ of an inch long, has a brown body, and breeds in standing water.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

Mosquitoes are known as one of the most dangerous animals in the world. After getting bitten by a mosquito, the bite becomes itchy due to your body’s reaction to mosquito saliva. The severity of these reactions differs from person to person. While these bites are annoying, they can also be dangerous. Mosquitoes are responsible for over one million deaths per year. They act as a vector for transmitting several dangerous diseases. These include: 

• Chikungunya 
• Dengue fever 
• Malaria
• West Nile virus
• Yellow fever
• Zika virus 
• Other diseases that lead to encephalitis (brain inflammation)

Many mosquito-transmitted diseases don’t have vaccines to counteract their spread. With abundant mosquito and human populations, there is no shortage of opportunities for these diseases to spread. Over-the-counter treatments, such as washing the bite with soapy water or treating it with anti-itch cream, can prevent infections.

Why do I have a mosquito problem?

A mosquito might sneak into your home when you don’t shut your door fast enough during a warm summer night. You might not even know they’ve entered your home until you hear buzzing or see bites on your body. Standing water, such as marshes or ponds near homes, makes the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Some species lay their eggs directly in water, while some lay them in moist soil.

Humidity is another factor that plays a role in a mosquito’s activity. Wearing shorter clothes in humid and hot climates attracts mosquitoes to exposed skin and leaves you open to bites.

Where will I find mosquitoes?

Most mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. You can find larvae in places such as birdbaths, potted plants, ponds, streams, and lakes. Other places around your home that make perfect spots for mosquitoes to lay their eggs include:

• Empty buckets, bottles, or cans
• Tree holes
• Old tires
• Potted plant trays and saucers
• Plastic covers or tarpaulins
• Water bowls for pets

Most adult mosquitoes are active at night. If you see one during the day, they may be looking for hidden, sheltered areas to rest until they feed.

How do I get rid of mosquitoes?

To get rid of mosquitoes, we recommend contacting a certified pest control company. They have the tools, experience, and knowledge to remove the infestation and keep it from returning. Phenom Pest Protection is a local, family-owned business that prioritizes providing excellent pest control services across the Greater Baltimore area. Our specialists offer customized treatments based on the needs of your property.

To learn more about our effective mosquito control services, call Phenom Pest Protection.

How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, you can protect your property from mosquitoes with the following tips:

Exterior tips

• Fix drafts, leaks, puddles, and run-off to eliminate water sources
• Try to prevent water from accumulating anywhere Get rid of any clutter around your home that can hold water
• Trim grass short, as tall grass could be a good resting spot for mosquitoes during the day
• Plant rosemary or lavender in your garden

Interior tips

• Eliminate potential hiding or breeding spots in your home
• Keep your doors and windows closed or install screens so mosquitoes can’t enter
• Regularly change the water in birdbaths and water bowls for pets
• Fix cracked or leaking kitchen and bathroom drains

Matt B.

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