Mosquito Identification & Prevention

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.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

An annoying consequence of a mosquito bite is developing a red itchy welt. However, a far more serious threat is becoming infected with one of the dangerous diseases they are capable of spreading to both people and animals. In the U.S., mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting a variety of harmful diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and Zika virus. In addition, these parasitic pests are also spread heartworm disease to our pets, which is very common throughout the southern portion of the United States.

Why do I have a mosquito problem?

If mosquitoes are living in large numbers on your property, it’s because it is providing them with ample breeding sites, resting sites, and food sources. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of areas of standing water. Because of this, properties near ponds, marshes, drainage ditches, heavily wooded areas, or low-lying areas, all tend to have problems with mosquitoes. Similarly, properties with a lot of flowering vegetation are also attractive to mosquitoes as both male and female mosquitoes feed on plant nectar.

Where will I find mosquitoes?