The Life Cycle of Mosquitoes and How to Keep Them Away

Nobody likes the itchy bites of a mosquito. Not only it is uncomfortable, but also spreads many diseases as well. No wonder, everyone calls a company that offers pest control in Adelaide to keep their number under control.

Mosquitoes have several stages of their life cycle. It is important to control their population at every stage. Let’s understand the lifecycle, from eggs to mature adults.

Mosquito Life Span & Life Cycle

Eggs

Mosquitoes lay up to several hundred eggs at a time. Mosquito eggs can only hatch when they are exposed to water. It is the reason these insects lay their eggs in or near water.

Mosquito species prefer different water habitats to lay their eggs. It may range from flood water to standing water collected in containers like a flowerpot or a tire near your home.

Larvae

The mosquito eggs developed into larvae; they are commonly called “wigglers.” Generally, the mosquito larvae hang upside down from the surface of the water they hatched in. These larvae breathe through a siphon tube.

The wigglers have very limited mobility. Therefore, they are the easiest feast for creatures like fish, frogs, or salamanders.

The larvae filter organic matter in the water, such as decaying leaves and other microorganisms, and excreting nitrogen and other nutrients that encourage plant growth.

Pupa

Before changing into a pupa, the larvae of mosquito grow and molt four times. At this stage, they are also called “tumblers,”. It is because the pupa gains a tail that can propel them through the water.

When they are pupa, they pause their feeding habits and rest while undergoing the process of metamorphosis. In about two days, they emerge from the surface of the water as adult mosquitoes.

When you call a company to carry out pest inspections in Adelaide, they will check the existence of mosquitoes at every stage of their life.

Adult mosquitoes

When the mosquito comes out from the pupa and dries off, the adult mosquito flies away. For nourishment, it feeds on nectar from fruits, flowers, and other plants.

Controlling mosquitoes

Burning candles or lanterns using an essential oil might repel mosquitoes. Some of the oils are clove, and Citronella. Lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, or peppermint.

You can set mosquito traps too. You need to change the traps regularly.

Mosquitoes are active during the morning and evening. You can use EPA-approved personal repellent designed for humans.

These methods can control the mosquitoes in your home.