Mosquito Control

The Life Cycle of a Mosquito

The life cycle of a mosquito is relatively short when compared to that of other insects that need control. The eggs are laid all at once by the female and are attached to one another in order to form a “raft” that can float on top of the water surface. Other types of mosquitoes can lay their eggs in clumps in wet soil, refuse, or debris, but they are less common. Once the eggs have been laid, they will usually hatch within 48 hours of being laid. A number of other eggs are laid later in the season and must survive the harsh winter weather before hatching. These eggs are extremely durable, and they can even withstand temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Once spring arrives, they will be found all over your yard once more.

After hatching from their eggs, mosquitoes transform into larval and pupal stages, during which they molt several times and feed on microorganisms in the water before reaching their final stage as an adult mosquito. The entire lifecycle of a mosquito varies depending on the temperature of their surroundings, but female mosquitoes live on average for 6-8 weeks. Male mosquitoes have a short life span of 10 days, and though they do not bite, they are still a threat because they fertilize the eggs of a female mosquito, thereby contributing to the perpetuation of the cycle of transmission. Because a female mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs at a time, and because they have such a short life cycle, it is easy to see how these insects can reproduce very quickly. Infestations of mosquitoes during the spring and summer months are common if the mosquitoes have a place to lay their eggs on a regular basis.

Despite the fact that these little buggers are tough and persistent, they have no chance against professional mosquito control.

Where do Mosquitoes Live?

Mosquitoes thrive and reproduce in environments with high levels of moisture. Take a look around your residence. Do you have any standing water, puddles, gardens with saturated soil, or water hoses that are dripping? Mosquito breeding grounds are found in abundance in this area. Their perception of these areas is that they are an invitation to lay their eggs and establish themselves in your home. The following are some additional steps you can take to avoid unintentionally creating mosquito breeding areas:

Get rid of any tin cans, buckets, old tires, or anything else that can collect rainwater on your property.
Keep the rain gutters on your roof clear of debris and trash to prevent stagnant water from accumulating and causing damage.
Check the drip pans on your air conditioner.
Clean out the gutters near your sidewalk and other drainage areas to avoid attracting them with wet debris.
Remember to keep your garbage cans covered and sealed.
Change the water in the bird bath on a regular basis. Do not overfill flower pots, as this will cause excess water to collect in the drip trays.
Make sure to shake off any tarps that are covering firewood or other areas in your yard on a regular basis.
It is critical, however, to thoroughly clean these areas with soap and water after you have emptied the water. Even in the absence of water, eggs can become firmly attached to these surfaces and hatch at a later date. Maintaining a mosquito-free environment in your yard requires constant attention.