Around the United States and primarily in tropical regions is likely to be the place you will find mosquitoes. The name mosquito has its origins in the Spanish language. The definition means, “little fly”. It is certain that this insect species has been present and thriving on the earth for around 30 million years. This species can carry and spread diseases to humans without being harmed; also, their females actually need our blood in order for them to reproduce. That is why it is easy for Malaria, Yellow fever, Dengue Fever, and West Nile virus can run rampant. Over 700 million each year over the entire world have been affected and infected by the diseases carried by mosquitoes. With or without a disease being carried, a bite from one of these creatures will leave an instant swelling that is rather itchy. People might even have an allergic reaction to a bit from a mosquito. However, as unlikely as it is that the mosquito population will be wiped out off America, the government is still working on ways to control these problems.
After the egg is hatched, the mosquito larva that was inside crawls out into his new home, a pool of stagnant water. While living in this pool it will survive mainly off eating the algae that is present. In appearance they somewhat resemble a worm, and can be a nice treat for many predators out there.
The Pupa stage comes next, it is at this point when most people would recognize the shape of it as a mosquito. Over the next few days, they will not eat and whenever they come out of the water they will be an adult.
An adult mosquito is equipped with the best human finding equipment to aid them in their hunt. The chemical sensors they have inside of their heads can detect emissions of carbon monoxide and lactic acid for around 100 feet. In other words, they can pretty much locate a mammal by seeing where they are breathing. Other sensors they have will notice a person’s sweat, which will give the mosquitoes a strong calling card to come eat. They can even detect emissions of heat and since their vision is not the greatest this comes in handy for nighttime hunting.
If you wish to gain a hold on the mosquitoes infesting your area, then you should clear out any excess water that might be present since that is a prime place for mosquitoes to thrive and breed. Things like puddles, fountains, pools, and even birdbaths can be the spawning ground of lots of mosquitoes. If mosquitoes cannot find a suitable place to lay their eggs the will abandon the area in search of new suitable ground to hibernate.
They only live for a few weeks any way. If you wish to seek professionally, help there are many individuals that would love to help you rid you of your mosquito problem.
Gary Dorris is a Vacaville pest control professional. His company, Hydrex also provides Vallejo Pest Control.
