Bug Details
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes have been around for at least 46 million years. Beyond being a nuisance, they can also spread disease and leave you and your family with itchy bites. Find out how to help kill mosquitoes and keep these tiny vampires away from you and your loved ones.
- There are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world.
- Only female mosquitoes have the mouthparts necessary to pierce skin and remove blood. They need this blood to produce and nourish their eggs.
Additional details
What attracts mosquitoes?
- Female mosquitoes are attracted to standing water where they can lay their eggs.
- They're also attracted to body odor, perspiration, body heat, and the carbon dioxide you expel when you breathe. Since everyone is different, some people seem to be more attractive to mosquitoes than others.
Where they breed
- Mosquitoes need standing water to breed and can be found near stagnant ponds, lakes, or other backyard pools of water.
- Some mosquitoes breed in containers that collect water such as old tires, cans, flower pots, and bird baths.
How long mosquitoes live?
- Male mosquitoes only live for about one week, but female mosquitoes typically live for a few weeks.
- The average lifespan of a mosquito varies based on the species, as well as the temperature, humidity, and time of year.
What they want from you
- Mosquitoes need a blood meal so that they can produce offspring - they will look to you or your pets for that blood meal.
Why they’re a problem
- Mosquitoes can be carriers of infectious diseases such as West Nile virus and encephalitis, which they spread to other people and pets thorough their bites.
- Mosquito bites are unpleasant and often result in large itchy red welts.
