The mosquito is a troublesome pest that can be located within tropical regions around the world and throughout the United States. Its name has Spanish origins translating to “little fly” and it is believed this species has been present on Earth for over thirty million years. Not only does this species have the ability to carry sickness and disease from person to person without becoming infected themselves, but the female mosquito also requires human blood in order to effectively reproduce. This dangerous combination leads the rampant spread of Malaria, Yellow Fever, West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever and hundreds of other diseases to over 700 million people annually across the globe. Even a mosquito bite lacking one of the known diseases will almost immediately swell and itch for extended periods of time, and some may experience allergic reactions as well. Although eradication of this species from US soil is unlikely, the EPA and other government agencies fully realize the public threat this species poses and they continually search for better control methods.
After the egg is hatched, the mosquito larva that was inside crawls out into his new home, a pool of stagnant water. While living in this pool it will survive mainly off eating the algae that is present. In appearance they somewhat resemble a worm, and can be a nice treat for many predators out there.
Next they will advance to a Pupa, and this is the period where their body begins to form into what we would identify as an actual mosquito. They do not feed during this period, which normally lasts only a few days, and they will emerge from the water as an adult once this process is completed.
Once the mosquito reaches adulthood, it is well equipped with special technologies to track and locate humans. Within their head are chemical sensors that can detect carbon monoxide and lactic acid up to 100 feet away, which essentially means that if a mammal is breathing then a mosquito can find them. These sensors also allow them to detect sweat and will naturally draw them towards humans. They are also equipped with heat detectors that further aid in zeroing in on their targets, and this proves especially useful for night time feeding. Although their vision is poor they can easily identify moving objects through sight, and when combined with their other hunting traits this pest can be very difficult to avoid. Research also shows that chemical agents within our bodies determine how we are perceived as a meal and helps explain why some are bitten more often than others.
To control mosquitoes within your area, it is essential that all excess water is removed to minimize the potential breeding grounds of this species. This would obviously include puddles within your yard or other places rain could collect; other popular breeding areas would be bird baths, pools, fountains, and potted plant trays. If this species has nowhere to lay their eggs then they will be forced to seek a more suitable habitat, and since their average lifespan is only a few weeks time is critically against them.
They have a very limited lifespan and are weak to a group of different pesticides that can be used for pest control.
Gary Dorris is a Napa pest control professional. His company, Hydrex also provides Vallejo Pest Control.
