What is the lifecycle of a mosquito?
All mosquitoes pass through four life-stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. They can complete their entire lifecycle in as little as a teaspoon of water, in as quickly as one week. Eggs hatch into larvae after a few days of being in contact with water. The larvae feed on debris in the water, grow rapidly and will turn into pupae within one to two weeks. Pupae take only a few days before they hatch into adult mosquitoes.
Only adult female mosquitoes bite. Adult female mosquitoes require blood so that they can produce eggs and start the lifecycle again.
How can I control mosquitoes around my home?
The most effective way to control mosquitoes around the home is to eliminate or treat standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs and their larvae live and grow. Mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs in very small amounts of water. Eliminating even the smallest areas where water collects around the home can dramatically reduce mosquito populations.
Loose Items Around the Home
- Ensure garbage cans and other receptacles have tight fitting lids and do not collect water.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling bins and outdoor storage containers for drainage.
- Seek out and remove unneeded items that collect water such as plastic containers, flowerpots, children’s toys, old tires, tarps and covers or any other items that can hold water.
- Empty children’s wading pools after use and refresh pet water dishes, watering troughs and birdbaths at least once a week.
- Store small boats upside down.
On the Home and in the Yard
- Drain or replace corrugated plastic pipe used for downspout drainage.
- Ensure rain gutters are free of debris and working properly.
- Fill in any depressions and low-lying areas in the yard that accumulate water.
- Check tree trunks for holes and cavities and fill them with sand or cement.
- Keep drainage ditches and culverts free of debris to allow water to drain properly.
- Repair any leaks from faucets and air conditioner units that result in puddles.
- Properly chlorinate swimming pools and spas and aerate ornamental pools and ponds.
How can I protect myself from active mosquitoes?
Protect yourself from active mosquitoes by:
- Using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent
on exposed skin when outdoors.
- Wearing long sleeves and long pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin available to mosquitoes.
- Wearing permethrin-treated clothing or treating clothing with permethrin. Be sure to read and follow all labeled instructions before use.
- Properly installing screens on doors and windows and ensuring they are free of holes and tears.
- Using lower wattage bulbs or turning off exterior lighting when not needed.
- Keeping ornamental plants and lawns well maintained.
Visit DoD Insect Repellent System to learn more about pest and insect-borne disease protection for active-duty military personnel.
What items are not recommended to control adult mosquitoes around my home?
- Aerosol foggers should only be used as a last resort as their effect is temporary, and adult mosquitoes can quickly reinvade areas after treatment.
- Electromagnetic exclusion devices, ultrasonic repellent products, and outdoor devices for electrocuting flying insects as these devices often attract and kill more non-target and beneficial insects than adult mosquitoes.
