Mosquitoes are known for carrying and spreading harmful diseases. It's important to understand their life cycle to effectively eliminate mosquito infestation. Focusing only on adult insects and ignoring their other stages keeps these pests returning over and over again. Keep reading to learn more about the mosquito life cycle and how interrupting it best protects your property.
The Life Cycle Of Mosquitoes
The mosquito life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female mosquitoes require a blood meal to reproduce and will lay eggs shortly after feeding. They also need a standing water source to lay their eggs. Depending on the species of mosquito, the female will lay her eggs in either a raft formation that floats on top of the water or in a more sporadic way where eggs are single and unconnected. Some species lay eggs on the perimeter of the water source, such as along the sides of an empty planter filled with rainwater. Within about 48 hours, the eggs will hatch and become larvae.
Larvae continue to live underwater and come to the surface occasionally for air. They feed on microorganisms in the water source and shed or molt their skins several times while they grow. Eventually, larvae move into the pupa stage, which is similar to the cocoon phase of moths and butterflies. After a few days, the pupae will emerge from the outer covering and become a fully-formed adult mosquito. Adult mosquitoes emerge from under the water and spend some time on the surface, drying off and spreading their wings. Once this phase is complete, the mosquito is ready to fly about and will search for a meal. While females feed on blood, males do not and will feed on the nectar of flowers.
It's Important to Stop Breeding Mosquitoes At The Source
The best way to get rid of mosquitoes on your property is to disrupt their life cycle. Many people attempt to deal with an infestation by targeting adult mosquitoes only. Without eliminating the other stages, these pests will continue to reproduce, causing massive frustration. One of the most critical tasks to prevent mosquitoes is to remove all sources of standing water from your yard. However, if you have a birdbath or a permanent water feature you enjoy, there are ways to kill mosquitoes in water without getting rid of your décor.
Add an agitator to keep the water moving to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs in your water feature. This makes the water too unstable for a mosquito to land on the surface and reproduce successfully. It also attracts birds that feed on adult mosquitoes. You can also try adding a small amount of dish soap, olive or vegetable oil, or apple cider vinegar to kill any mosquito larvae that might be lurking beneath the surface. You might also consider adding Wondercide or specialized tablets like Mosquito Dunks to the water.
Identify And Remove Potential Mosquito Breeding Spots In Your Yard
To keep mosquitoes away from your family and pets, it's essential to know where they prefer to breed. In addition to birdbaths and water features like ponds and pools, here are some other mosquito hot spots:
- Drip trays for air conditioning units
- Outdoor playsets with grooves or cutouts capable of collecting rainwater
- Old tires
- Gutters
- Trash cans and overturned trash can lids
- Empty planters and pots
- Wood piles and yard debris
- Ditches in your lawn
- Tarps
When preventative measures fail, it might be time to call a trusted source of mosquito pest control in Lexington, like The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc.
Professional Mosquito Control Is A Great Idea For Your Yard
For tough mosquito infestations on your Lexington property, call the experts at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. Our comprehensive mosquito control solutions focus on the entire mosquito life cycle, from egg to adult. We'll locate and treat breeding sites along with your home's foundation and landscaping. For more information on how we can help, give us a call today.
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