Mosquitoes

 Mosquitoes are of great concern because of the numerous diseases they carry with them, such as west Nile virus, malaria, yellow fever, filariasis, dengue and encephalitis and spread to humans when they bite.

Adults are 1/8-3/8" long.  Color is mostly gray to dark, some marked with white, silver, green or iridescent blue scales.  Head with proboscis/beak long.  Antennae 15-segmented, feathery in male, hairy in female  2 wings, long and narrow, with scales along veins and wing margin; outerpart of wing with am unforked vein between 2 forked veins. 

West Nile virus is a infectious disease that has been an ongoing public health threat since 1999 that affects both humans and agricultural animals.  While most people who are bitten by an infected mosquitoe will not develop an illness, those who do become sick, may experience headaches, fever, body aches, mild skin rash, and possible swollen lymph glands.  In rare cases severe illness may occur causing headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, paralysis, or even death.  If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.

Mosquitoes have adapted to almost every kind of aquatic situation such as permanent ponds and marshes, temporary flood waters or woodland pools, drainage ditches, and water contained in tree holes, leaves of plants, or artificial containers.  The exceptions are flowing streams and the open waters of large streams, rivers, lakes, seas and oceans. 

Adult males feed on nectar.  Although the adult female also feeds on nectar, females of most species require a blood meal before they can lay fertile eggs.  Females require 2+ days to digest a blood meal, lay a batch of eggs, and then seek another blood meal.

Although there is no way to totally eliminated mosquitoes, actions can be taken to lower the chances of being bitten.

Reducing Mosquitoes

On the household level, relief can be achieved by preventing entry to structures by using proper screening and sealants.

Emptying, or eliminating completely containers which hold water on one's own property can be of great help in reducing the number of local mosquitoes.

Keep gutters clear of debris and standing water.

Keep old equipment and tires covered and dry.

.Keep drainage ditches flowing to avoid stagnant puddles.

Change water in troughs frequently and keep rain barrels covered.

Fill potholes and tire ruts.

Prevent birds from roosting in barns.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

Wear long sleeves and pants during the times of peak mosquito activity. (dawn and dusk)

Use mosquito repellents.

(Insect Information excerpted from the NPCA Field Guide to Structural Pests)