Mosquito Facts
- All mosquitoes must have water in which to complete their lifecycle.
- Only seven days are required to complete their life cycle (egg to adult) during warm weather.
- Mosquitoes do not develop in grass or shrubbery, although flying adults frequently rest in these areas during daylight hours.
- Only the female mosquito bites to obtain a blood meal.
- The female mosquito may live as long as three weeks during the summer or many months over the winter in order to lay her eggs the following spring.
Insects that Resemble Mosquitos
Mosquito
- Bites using proboscis
- Wings as long or longer than body
- Develop in water
- May carry disease
Chironomid Midge
- Cannot bite (no proboscis)
- Develop in the mud on the bottom of lakes and ponds.
- Body longer than wings.
- About same size as mosquito
Crane Fly
- Cannot bite (proboscis, if present, unable to penetrate skin)
- Develop in moist soil or water
- Fly very poorly.
- Usually larger than a mosquito.
Mosquito Life Cycle
Eggs – Different species of mosquitoes deposit their eggs in specific habitats. Those eggs are deposited either singly in moist soil or in the form of rafts on the water surface. These eggs are usually laid in groups ranging between 100 and 400 eggs. Within a few days the eggs hatch into larvae.
Larva – The larva comes to the surface to breathe through a tube called a siphon. It sheds its skin four times during the next several days. Mosquitoes are called instars between these molts (1-4 instars). On the fourth molt it changes into a pupa.
Pupa – The pupa of the mosquito is similar to the cocoon or chrysalis of a butterfly. The pupa cannot eat. It breathes through two tubes on its back. The adult mosquito develops inside the pupal case. In two days or so, when it is fully developed, it splits the pupal skin and emerges as an adult.
Adult – The newly emerged adult rests on the water surface until it is strong enough to fly away and feed.
Where to Look and What to Do
Ornamental Ponds
Add goldfish for looks and mosquito control. Avoid spraying with garden insect sprays. Remove leaves and thin out lilies. Keep water level up. Screen inlet of recirculation pump. Chlorine kills fish—transfer fish to glass bowl when cleaning pond. If pond is no longer desired, break holes in bottom and fill with dirt or sand.
Concrete or Plastic Swimming Pools
Operate filter and skimmer every day to remove egg rafts and larvae. Provide drainage filter and pump sumps. Chlorine will not kill mosquito larvae. If pool cover is used, keep it tightly sealed. Remove rainwater from top of pool cover.
Boats
Prevent accumulation of bilge water. Store small boats upside down or cover to keep out of the rain and water from sprinklers.
Other Kinds of Containers
Remove and dispose all unused containers that collect rain or water from sprinklers: Cans, Jars, Buckets, Tubs, Old Tires, Barrels , etc..
Mosquitoes develop in any standing water in your yard, so once a week check your yard for containers holding water. Don’t forget to change the water in your bird bath and clean your gutters.
What about repellents?
Read the label before purchasing a repellent! The repellent label should state that it is for use against mosquitoes and must have an EPA registration number. This number is your guarantee that the product is safe and effective if used FOLLOWING LABEL INSTRUCTIONS!
For more information on repellents, check out the Department of Public Health Fact Sheet.
Tiger mosquitoes
Tiger mosquitoes have been found in various locations in Massachusetts (outside of Barnstable County). These mosquitoes are capable of carrying diseases such as Chikungunya, Zika and Dengue fever. Please report any sightings within Barnstable County to Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project at 508-775-1510 or via this online form.
How will you recognize the Tiger mosquito?
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Are mosquitoes biting me in the middle of the day?
- Are the mosquitoes biting me small, dark, with white markings?
- Do these mosquitoes focus on biting my legs?
If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, please report these mosquitoes to Cape Cod Mosquito Control at 508-775-1510 or via this online form.
If you found these mosquitoes outside of Barnstable County, please contact your local mosquito control district.