The Ins and Outs of Mosquitoes
What’s all the irritation about? Well, if you live or are visiting a humid and wet environment, truth be told, anywhere except in areas that are permanently frozen, mosquitoes have the potential for infringing upon your daily activities.
But, do not surrender yourself over to these blood-sucking pests so quickly. It might surprise you, but knowing a thing or two about their life-cycle can help. According to the EPA, having a basic familiarity of the different stages of the mosquito’s life will help you prevent mosquitoes around your home and help you figure out prevention methods and how and what insecticides to use.
The egg hatches when exposed to water. This is why areas around standing water, ponds, bird baths, kiddy pools, are just incubators for the troublesome insect. Flood water due to heavy rains also offers perfect breeding grounds for these treacherous terrors of the skin. Larvae are the next stage and they live in water. They molt several times; most species surface to breathe air.
The Pupa does not feed; the stage just before emerging as adults. And finally, the adult – the final stage in the life cycle that emerges out of the water and feeds on the blood of humans and other animals.
Only the female bites and once she has ingested her bloody meal it’s time to lay eggs. She will lay her eggs directly on or near water, soil and at the base of some plants in places that may fill with water. The eggs can survive dry conditions for a few months.
It’s all in the diet. Sugars are a thing to avoid eating. Both adult male and female mosquitoes feed on sugars from plants and other insects. The female feeds on blood meals for egg development. If you ever been in a situation when you are standing side by side with another person but you are the lucky one getting bombarded with bites; most likely your blood is just that much sweeter. Maybe save the deserts for inside enjoyment.
Mosquitoes are not only frustrating but they are deadly as well. And many foreign species of mosquitoes are here by international flight traffic. One does not need to be an alarmist, just stay aware of your surroundings and if you venture into the great outdoors, dress appropriately to limit your skin exposure.
We hope you are furnished with more information on mosquito breeding habits, their environment, and how to use the most effective ways to get rid of these pests. Please note, eliminating standing and stagnant water will lead you on the best path towards achieving a mosquito-free environment.
