Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they are vectors for serious diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
As a pest control company in New Jersey specializing in mosquito removal while being safe for bees, understanding the life cycle of mosquitoes makes it easier for us to root out the cause.
Much like hiring exterminators when you’re basement is infested with rats, you’d rather prevent the rats from getting inside first. Similarly, we want to prevent mosquitoes from invading your space before you have to call folks like us!
Effective mosquito control starts with understanding their lifecycle, which consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
By targeting mosquitoes at various points in their lifecycle, we can better manage and reduce their populations. This blog post is for New Jersey homeowners who want to keep mosquitos at bay year-round.
The Life Cycle of Mosquitoes
1. Egg Stage
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near standing water. Some species lay eggs directly on the water’s surface, while others lay them in areas that are prone to flooding. The eggs can hatch within a few days, depending on environmental conditions, but some can remain dormant for months until they are submerged in water.
Control Strategy:
- Eliminate Standing Water: Regularly check and eliminate standing water in flowerpots, gutters, bird baths, old tires, and other containers. This prevents mosquitoes from laying eggs in these areas.
- Use Larvicides: Apply larvicides to water sources that cannot be drained. Larvicides kill mosquito larvae before they can mature into adults.
For example, a homeowner in Swedesboro noticed an increase in mosquitoes around their backyard.
Upon inspection, they found several containers with standing water, including flower pots, a birdbath, and an old tire. We advised them that by regularly emptying these containers and ensuring no water was left to stagnate, they significantly reduced the number of mosquito eggs laid in their yard.
2. Larva Stage
After hatching, mosquito larvae (often called “wrigglers”) live in water. They go through several molts, growing larger with each stage. During this time, they feed on organic matter and microorganisms in the water. This stage lasts about a week, depending on the temperature and food availability.
Control Strategy:
- Maintain Water Quality: Keep swimming pools, fountains, and other artificial water bodies clean and well-maintained. Chlorinate pools regularly and ensure proper filtration.
- Introduce Predators: Fish like guppies and goldfish eat mosquito larvae and can be introduced into ornamental ponds and other standing water sources.
3. Pupa Stage
After the larval stage, mosquitoes enter the pupal stage, also known as “tumblers.” Pupae are active in the water but do not feed. This stage lasts for a few days, during which the mosquito undergoes transformation into its adult form.
Control Strategy:
- Continue Water Management: Ensure that water bodies are managed consistently to prevent pupae from developing into adults. Since pupae are still in the water, the strategies for controlling larvae apply here as well.
4. Adult Stage
Adult mosquitoes emerge from the pupal case and rest on the water’s surface until their bodies harden. Female mosquitoes seek blood meals to obtain the necessary protein for egg production, while males typically feed on nectar. Adults can live for a few weeks, during which they mate and the cycle begins anew.
Control Strategy:
- Use Insect Repellents: Apply EPA-approved insect repellents to exposed skin and clothing when spending time outdoors. Products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective.
- Install Screens: Ensure windows and doors are fitted with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
- Employ Mosquito Traps: Use traps and electronic repellents to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes in your living area.
- Apply Adulticides: In areas with high mosquito populations, adulticides can be used to kill adult mosquitoes. These can be applied as sprays or foggers.
Different stages of a mosquito’s life require different solutions for getting rid of them.
The good news is that regardless of the stage of life or season, we specialize in getting rid of them for New Jersey homeowners.
If that’s you, feel free to give us a call at 1-888-4BEE-LUV and we’d be happy to help!
