Mosquitoes are one of the most well-known and despised insects on the planet. Some species are known for spreading diseases and parasites harmful to humans, such as dog heartworm. In Australia, there are over 300 species of mosquitoes; however, only a few species are capable of transmitting diseases.
Mosquitoes are renowned for putting a stop to BBQs. The entrance of these blood-sucking parasites ruins the scene just as you’re resting with a cool drink and preparing food for the grill. The CO2 in our breath, as well as our body odor and heat, draw them to us.
Mosquitoes stink blood to get enough protein to build their eggs. They don’t obtain any sustenance from blood; instead, they derive it from floral nectar. Male Mosquitoes are harmless and solely feed on nectar.
The Most Effective Mosquito Treatment
Some mosquitoes bite around dawn and dusk and a few hours into the night, which is a severe indoor domestic pest in Australia (but does not transmit diseases). On the other hand, some mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti, the Zika virus, yellow fever, and dengue fever vector, bite during the day.
The Ross River Virus is Australia’s most often reported mosquito-borne disease, and it can be found in all states.
When it comes to Mosquito control, prevention is better than cure, which can be accomplished by vigilant. It is usually preferable to control a pest when it first appears rather than allowing it to grow to epidemic proportions and then attempting to control it.
Mosquito management focuses on preventing mosquito hatching and removing adult mosquitoes from home. See the section on How to Prevent Mosquitoes from Appearing for more information.
Treat indoor spaces and surfaces with Yates Home Pest Long Term Control Barrier Spray to help keep them out of the house. Door jams, flyscreens, curtain rods, and ceiling-mounted fittings are familiar resting places. You can also spray it on eaves, flyscreens, and awnings outside.
What are Mosquitoes & What Do They Do?
What to Do If You Can’t Get Rid of Them
Mosquitoes, which belong to the Culicidae family, number around 300 species in Australia. Flies, midges, and gnats are all members of the Diptera insect order, which comprises flies, midges, and gnats. The term “Diptera” comes from the Greek words “two” (di) and “wings” (petra). Mosquitoes and their relatives have only one pair of wings (two), whereas all flying insects have two teams (i.e., four wings).
Description
Adult
Mosquito adults come in a variety of sizes, depending on the species. Individuals within a species can also differ in size depending on the settings in which their larvae are raised. More giant female Mosquitoes capable of producing more eggs result from well-fed larvae. Mosquitoes are tiny, long-legged insects with scales on their veins and back margins. Mosquitoes with ornamental feathery antennae have intricate antennae, while females have simple antennae. Mosquitoes live for roughly 2-3 weeks in females and barely a week in males.
Eggs
The eggs (around 0.5mm long) are frequently laid at night. Some common species bind their eggs together to form rafts that float on water. Anopheles and Aedes species do not produce egg rafts but lay their eggs independently. Saltmarsh Mosquitoes lay their eggs singly in the mud or vegetation of flood-inundated saltmarshes.
Larvae
Larvae have a distinct head, thorax, and abdomen and are usually pale and thin. Larvae have a siphon-like breathing device that allows them to breathe air at the water’s surface. Most mosquito species float vertically in the water, while Anopheles Mosquitoes have small siphons and float parallel to the surface. Mosquito larvae are known as ‘wrigglers’ because they are exceedingly active.
Pupae
Pupae breathe through tubes on the water’s surface known as “trumpets” during this non-feeding period. They have a comma-shaped head and thorax, and a thin tail. Pupae are known as ‘tumblers’ because they can fall out of danger if they are disturbed.
Cycle of Life
Females lay up to 50–100 eggs at a time on water or moist surfaces, depending on the species. Mosquito larvae hatch from the eggs and go through four molts before becoming pupae, eating on algae, bacteria, and organic detritus. Mosquitoes emerge from their pupae onto the water’s surface as adults. The whole life cycle of common Mosquitoes can be completed in as little as seven days during warm conditions.
What Insects are Misunderstood by Mosquitoes?
Non-biting Midges and Crane Flies are two insects mistaken for Mosquitoes. These fragile long-legged insects have a superficial resemblance to Mosquitoes.
Non-Biting Midges have a short snout and are harmless. On warm evenings, they’re the insects that swarm atop trees and other towering things. If windows are not adequately screened, non-biting midges will enter homes. Only when they land can you tell them apart from Mosquitoes. Non-biting Midges elevate their front legs as they land to rest. When mosquitoes rest, they promote their hind legs.
Crane flies are frequently confused with ‘huge’ Mosquitoes. Adult Crane Flies don’t eat much and have brief lifespans of only a few days. Crane flies have far longer legs than Mosquitoes, don’t have a long snout, and are rarely seen in large enough numbers to cause concern.
What Happens When a Mosquito Bites?
Mosquito bites have little effect on some people, but for others, they cause red itchy lumps that keep them awake at night. When a Mosquito injects saliva containing anticoagulants into your skin with her needle-like mouth parts, she prevents the blood from clotting while sucking it up. Some Mosquito species carry diseases by their saliva.
Who is the most vulnerable to mosquito bites?
Some people are more attracted to mosquitoes than others, according to research. Bite risk is higher in people with higher metabolic rates or those who have recently exercised. Some blood types appear to be preferred over others as well – sorry, Type O. Pregnant women are also twice as likely to be bitten by mosquitos than non-pregnant women.
Mosquitoes Have an Impact on What Plants?
Mosquitoes have no adverse effects on plants. Mosquitoes are known pollinators of several plants, particularly in areas where other pollinators are sparse, such as the Arctic. Other animals, such as bats, birds, fish, and insects, rely on mosquitoes as a source of food.
Symptoms of a Mosquito Infestation
- Wrigglers and tumblers of mosquitos in pot trays and other outdoor containers.
- During the day, adult mosquitoes roost under eaves and other covered spots.
- Skin with bite marks.
How Can Mosquitoes Be Prevented?
- Remove water from probable breeding locations such as pot plant trays, buckets, gutters, and other containers.
- At least once a week, change the water in birdbaths.
- Make sure the screens on your windows and doors are in good shape.
- To keep mosquitoes out, seal all crevices around doors and windows.
- Outdoor entertainment areas with screens
- When outdoors, use insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing to avoid mosquito bites.
Contact B2B Pest Control for Mosquito Treatment in your region.
