Mosquitoes are known nuisances. Not only do mosquitoes bite, suck blood,
and leave an itchy reminder of their visit, some species can even
transmit diseases to humans and other animals. As civilized humans, we
often promote their breeding and ability to multiply by supporting their
life cycle with water. A Mosquito's life revolves around water. Its eggs
are laid in water or in areas that are expected to flood. Once the eggs
hatch, the mosquito larva must stay in water through their pupal stage.
These stages last around one to two weeks before an adult mosquito
emerges from the water. If the mosquitoes are males, they stay near the
water to mate with emerging females. Male mosquitoes never bite and
usually die within a few days after emerging from water. Females, on the
other hand, quickly mate with males and fly off in search of blood meals
before they lay up to 250 eggs. Following egg laying, females will again
search for blood. Mosquito species which originate from water holding
containers do not travel far. Therefore, you can reduce mosquito
populations around the home by removing unnecessary water holding
containers and weekly renewing water in those that remain.
Helpful Hints to Control
Mosquitoes Around the Home
Keep yard clean and cut.
Remove items from yard that hold water and are not needed outside. Empty
containers that hold water. Keep lawn and gardening equipment indoors.
Fix leaky faucets.
Store boats, canoes, and kayaks upside down or indoors.
Keep gutters clean.
Flush bird baths, potted plant saucers, tree holes, and other plants
that hold water every three days.
Change pet water dishes regularly, Chlorinate pools.
Add fish to ponds.
Remove aquatic weeds.
Above all, put tires with other garbage to be properly disposed of by
the Lee County Department of Solid Waste. This is important because
tires are the number one breeding spots for disease carrying mosquitoes!
