Mosquitoes are back! Are you familiar with the life cycle of a mosquito? Knowing the different stages of the mosquito’s life will help you prevent mosquitoes around your home and help you choose the right solution for your property. Read on to find out more!
A Mosquito’s Life Cycle
- Egg: hatches when exposed to water.
- Larva: “wriggler” lives in water; molts several times; most species surface to breathe air.
- Pupa: “tumbler” does not feed; stage just before emerging as an adult.
- Adult: flies after emerging and after its body parts have hardened.
Only the female mosquito bites humans and animals to obtain blood. After she feeds, she lays eggs in a location preferably in or near water, but can settle for a place that is either dry or wet. Eggs can survive without water for a few months but to develop into the next stage, water is necessary.
The eggs hatch in water and a mosquito larva or “wriggler” emerges. The length of time to hatch depends on water temperature, food and type of mosquito. The larva lives in the water, feeds and develops into the third stage of the life cycle called a pupa or “tumbler.” The pupa also lives in the water but no longer feeds.
Next, the mosquito emerges from the pupal case after two days to a week in the pupal stage. The life cycle typically takes up two weeks, but depending on conditions, it can range from four days to as long as a month. The adult mosquito emerges onto the water’s surface and flies away, ready to begin the cycle again.
Mosquito Control
Utilize our In2Care Mosquito trap to attract and kill both adult mosquitos and larvae. Each trap can control mosquito population over an area of about 4300 square feet!
If you would like to learn more about mosquito control for your home or business, contact us for a free inspection. Attention Pest Solutions offers residential pest control and commercial pest control for Saratoga County, Albany County, Washington County, Fulton County, Warren County, Schenectady County and Montgomery County.
