What are Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are a type of biting fly with a fly-like appearance. Adults have a narrow, oval-shaped body, long legs, and a single pair of wings. Most mosquitoes are brown or black, with or without white markings; their exact color is species-specific. Females use their piercing mouthparts to puncture the skin of people or animals and feed on the blood required to develop viable eggs. Both males and females use their piercing mouthparts to feed on plant nectar which is their primary food source.

We Know Mosquitoes

  • Mosquitoes can lay an average of 100 eggs in a container the size of a bottle cap.
  • Mosquitoes can cause welts and severe itching.
  • Mosquitoes can carry pathogens that transmit disease.
  • Mosquitoes can lay up to 3,000 eggs within a couple of weeks.
  • Mosquito breeding grounds can be anywhere with standing, stagnant water.
  • Female mosquitoes need the iron and protein in human blood to reproduce.

Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Using the right insect repellent and other preventive actions can discourage mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects from landing on you. Here are tips for other preventive actions you can take against mosquitoes.

  • Remove Mosquito Habitats
  • Use Appropriate Pesticides
  • Use Structural Barriers
  • Avoid Getting Bitten