Mosquitoes are not only annoying, they are also the deadliest creatures on Earth. They transmit diseases like, West Nile virus, malaria, yellow fever and dengue. They can even transmit heart worms to your dogs.
There are about 200 different species of mosquitoes in the United States, all of which live in specific habitats, exhibit unique behaviors and bite different types of animals. Despite these differences, all mosquitoes share some common traits, like their life cycle. All mosquito species go through four distinct stages during their 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 adult
- adult – flies short time after emerging and after its body parts have hardened.
The first three stages occur in water, but the adult is an active flying insect. Only the female mosquito bites and feeds on the blood of humans or other animals.
- After she obtains a blood meal, the female mosquito lays the eggs directly on or near water, soil and at the base of some plants in places that may fill with water. The eggs can survive dry conditions for a few months.
- 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.
- Finally, 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 4 days to as long as a month.
Different species of mosquitoes prefer different types of standing water in which to lay their eggs. Some examples are old tires, buckets, toys, potted plant trays, gutters, around air conditioner units, etc.
Baldin Turf Lawn & Landscape, Inc. can control your mosquitoes to make sure your family stays healthy, and is able to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. Our Mosquito Control Program treats your landscape, where mosquitoes hide, along with areas where they breed, like standing water in gutters, retention areas, water features, etc. Each visit we inspect your yard for breeding and harborage areas and treat not only the adults, but the larva as well. Monthly (10 applications February – November) service plans available. We can make your backyard enjoyable again with our mosquito control program.
Call Baldin Turf Lawn & Landscape, Inc. (850)897-3073 Niceville (850)832-4212 Panama City Beach and ask about our Mosquito Control Program.