The Life Of A Mosquito
There are over 3500 species of mosquitoes, and they can be found in every corner of the globe. But where do they come from? Well, mosquitoes have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female mosquito lays her eggs in stagnant water, which is why you'll often find them near ponds or wetlands. The eggs hatch into larvae, which live in water and feed on microscopic organisms. After a few days, the larvae transform into pupae. And finally, the pupae emerge as adults. A female mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs at a time, and those eggs will hatch within 48 hours. So, if you have stagnant water on your property, it's only a matter of time before mosquitoes start showing up.
Where Are Mosquitoes Hiding Before The Warmer Months?
It seems like we only see mosquitoes in the warmer months, so where are they hiding in the cooler months? Mosquitoes are very reliant on stagnant water, so if you have any water that is sitting on your property, it's likely that mosquitoes will lay their eggs there and create a den. Even a small puddle can be enough for them to lay their eggs! During the winter months, mosquitoes will find a place to hibernate. This could be in tall grasses, under tree bark, under houses, or in enclosed environments like garages and sheds. They will remain inactive until the weather starts to warm up again and they can come out to mate and lay eggs.
Where Do Mosquitoes Live?
Most of us are quite familiar with mosquitoes - especially if you live in an area that is prone to them! But have you ever wondered where these pesky insects actually live when they are not biting you causing itchy red bumps? As it turns out, mosquitoes can pretty much live anywhere there is standing water. We've already learned how much mosquitoes are reliant on stagnant water, so they will stay close to any freshwater near homes. This can include lakes, ponds, swimming pools, flowerpots, and clogged gutters. They will usually hide in these areas until the sun goes down and once the evening is upon you, mosquitoes come out for feeding.
How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are a big nuisance to your summer nights, so chances are you will want to look for other options to get rid of them other than a can of bug spray. Common tips and tricks can include:
- Mosquito Repellents
- Eliminating Standing Water
- Natural Predators
- Mosquito Repellents
The good news for you is there are a lot of natural mosquito repellents that will deter this insect from your property. A couple of popular natural repellents include:
- Most essential oils (lavender, peppermint, lemon, etc.)
- Basil
- Candles
- Soap
- Coffee grounds
Eliminating Standing Water
As we've learned, mosquitoes depend on standing water for breeding. Eliminating any stagnant water throughout your property limits the number of mosquitoes by a large margin. Make sure to:
- Empty any buckets or kids' toys
- Clean gutters and ditches
- Change water in birdbaths and flower pots
- Use pool covers
Natural Predators
There are many natural predators that feed on mosquitoes and can limit this pest by a large margin. These would include:
- Birds
- Fish
- Bats
- Spiders
- Dragonflies
Professional Mosquito Control
If you have tried a plethora of tactics to stop a mosquito infestation but nothing seems to work, it may be time to inquire about professional pest control. Got Bugs offers professional pest control with services including mosquito control. Got Bugs exterminators have been working hard to relieve pests in the Atlanta area for over 25 years now.
