August 1996
SIZE: 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6.4-12.7mm)
COLOR: Brown
DESCRIPTION: Thin, long-legged winged insect; adults have three pairs of long, slender legs. Mosquitoes have an elongate "beak" or piercing proboscis.
HABITAT: Most remain close to the lake, pond, or clogged gutter they lived in as larvae. Excess rain in the spring will provide plenty of breeding places for mosquitoes.
LIFE CYCLE: Adult female (only!) mosquitoes seek a blood meal so they can produce a new patch of eggs.
Eggs, pupae and larvae must have water to develop. Larvae feed on bits of organic matter in the water, becoming full grown in about one week. The pupal stage lasts two to three days.
TYPE OF DAMAGE: Bite humans to suck blood
CONTROL: Homeowners should carefully inspect their house (gutters) and yard (bird bath, old tires) for standing water - then dump it! Non-chemical control in the spring is easier and more effective than chemical control in the summer.
INTERESTING FACTS: Mosquitoes can travel a mile or more from their breeding spot to find a meal. Female mosquitoes are ready to bite one or two days after emerging as adults.