Mosquito

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:

  • Mosquitoes tend to be active at dusk and dawn, which is when they feed
  • They have a large slender mouthpart called a proboscis, which enables them to pierce skin
  • Mosquitoes are infamous for their ability to transmit extremely dangerous diseases
Category:

Mosquitoes in Southern California

With more than 200 species of mosquitoes worldwide, most regions in the country deal with these nuisance pests. They can survive in a wide range of environments from high deserts to below sea level or high up in the mountain ranges. The main concern with mosquitoes is that they can spread some of the world’s most dangerous diseases. Most mosquito bites will leave you with red, itchy bites and welts. However, certain species are responsible for the spread of malaria, West Nile, Zika, and more. Data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that mosquito bites cause the deaths of more than 1 million people every year, mostly from malaria.

Mosquito Habitat

Mosquitoes need a source of standing or stagnant water in order to breed or survive. They lay their eggs in these water sources and are commonly found around marshes and lakes. Mosquitoes only need a half-inch of water to breed, making any area susceptible to an infestation. Residential areas in the Los Angeles Metro Area can provide the perfect breeding spot for mosquitoes, whether its a kiddie pool, metal bucket, flower pot, or any other object that collects rainwater or excess water from irrigation systems. Because mosquitoes can pop up at any time, it’s important for homeowners to regularly inspect their property for areas that might be inviting mosquitoes to live and breed.

Mosquito Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

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. Certain types of mosquitoes, however, can transmit serious diseases. Most 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. However, severe symptoms following infection occur in a small percentage of people.

When it comes to getting rid of a mosquito problem, it’s important to always enlist the help of a professional mosquito exterminator.