Mosquito

Category:

Actual Size: ⅛” to ⅜”

Characteristics: Gray to black; some having white, green, or blue markings.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes

Habitat: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant, standing water sources such as ponds, rain gutters, storm drains, old tires, children’s wading pools, and birdbaths.

Habits:

  • Most active at dawn and dusk.
  • All mosquitoes have a large slender mouthpart called a proboscis.
  • One of the deadliest animals in the world due to the diseases they can transmit.

Mosquitoes in Central and Eastern Virginia

Mosquitoes are one of the most infamous animals of all time. They may be considered a nuisance, but they pose a big threat to human life worldwide. There are more than 200 species of mosquitoes in the United States, but only certain species of mosquitoes can transmit disease. Some of the most known diseases mosquitoes are linked to include Zika, West Nile, and, of course, malaria. Data from the World Health Organization has shown us that more than one million people die each year from mosquitoes, with malaria as the main cause. These pests can infest a wide range of environments from deserts at or below sea level to mountain meadows with elevations of 10,000+ feet.

Mosquito Habitat

Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water, so they are commonly found around marshes and lakes. Because they only need less than an inch of standing water to breed, they can easily adapt to infesting residential areas right here in Virginia. Around homes, mosquitoes are found in kiddie pools, metal buckets, flower pots, and any object that collects rainwater or excess water from irrigation systems. For this reason, it’s extremely important for homeowners to regularly check their property for areas that may be harboring stagnant water, which can quickly lead to mosquito problems.

Mosquito Behaviors, Threats, and Dangers

Mosquitoes are most known for their bites. Here’s what to know:

  • Most mosquito species require a blood meal before they can reproduce a batch of eggs.
  • Many people and animals are bitten by mosquitoes with no side effects except the typical itchy welt.
  • People infected with mosquito-transmitted viruses show no symptoms or only mild, flu-like symptoms that may not result in a visit to the doctor.
  • Severe symptoms following infection occur in a small percentage of people. 

When it comes to mosquitoes, it’s best to always enlist the help of a mosquito exterminator if you notice an infestation forming.