Mosquitoes

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are attracted to dark and bold colors, floral scents, warmer body temperatures, pregnant people, and exhaled carbon dioxide.

What Do Mosquitoes Eat?

Female mosquitoes suck human blood and male mosquitoes feed on plant nectars. 

Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?

Female mosquitoes bite humans to drink their blood and gain the nutrients needed to lay eggs. The mosquito uses the sharp tip of its proboscis to pierce the skin and draw blood up through its mouth. During this process, the mosquito injects saliva containing an anticoagulant to stop the blood from clotting.

Where Do Mosquitoes Lay Their Eggs?

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources such as storm drains, old tires, children's wading pools and birdbaths. They can develop from egg to adult in 10 to 14 days. 

When Are Mosquitoes Most Active?

Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn and will fly up to 14 miles for a blood meal.

Where Do Mosquitoes Go in the Winter?

Female mosquitoes spend the winter hibernating in protected places like hollow logs or animal burrows. Female mosquitoes can hibernate for up to six months. Male mosquitoes don’t make it past the fall. The lifespan of a male mosquito is up to 10 days, and then it dies after mating.

What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Carry?

Mosquitoes are well-known to spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, malaria and dengue fever.

Mosquito Prevention

Eliminate or reduce mosquito breeding sites by replacing all standing water at least once a week. This includes birdbaths, ponds and unfiltered pools. Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any standing water sources that cannot be changed, dumped or removed. Introduce mosquito-eating fish such as gambusia, green sunfish, bluegills and minnows to standing water. Screen windows, doors and other openings with mesh. Avoid going outdoors when and where mosquitoes are most active: during dusk or dawn. Use insect repellent containing picaridin or DEET on exposed skin, according to label directions.