Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance in Austin, Texas. Most can identify them after having experience with their constant assaults throughout the summer. Mosquitoes have hair-like scales that cover their bodies with a pair of wings and a long proboscis that is made up of mouthparts they use to suck up fluids. Depending on the species, they range between ¼” and 1/2” in length. Also, depending on the mosquito’s species, they are different colors ranging from pale browns and have whitish bands to bright whitish-markings down their abdomens, or in other species white stripes across both its body and legs. We at A-Tex Pest Management would like to further expound on mosquitoes and mosquito control.
Does a Mosquito have a 4 Stage Life Cycle?
In a mosquito’s life, they pass through 4 stages; the egg, larva, pupae, and adults. Beginning from the egg that are laid every 3rd day or so by fertile females, which lay between 100-300 eggs at a time. They deposit their eggs on areas that are routinely flooded or on the surface of water. All the females need is about an inch of water, which hatch within 2-3 days. Larva emerge from the hatched eggs where they stay and wiggle in order to swim, giving them the nickname wigglers. Breathing through tubes, the wigglers hang on around the water’s surface until they develop into the pupae, within a week’s time after shedding their skin. As larvae, they will eat on organic matter in the water. This is the most optimal stage to eliminate mosquitoes by blocking their breathing with oil or using bacteria to poison the larvae. Pupae are also known as tumblers, as they will tumble into the deepest parts of the water to evade threatening predators. The head at one end of a cocoon and tiny flippers at the other, they look like commas. At this stage, they do not feed, but still continue to breathe through the tubes for about 4 days until they become adults. They climb out of the water and dry off once they have become adults. The male mosquito will usually take an extra day or two to develop the reproductive organs. For 3-5 days, the males will not feed on blood but on fruit and plant nectar. The females become fertile after only mating once, where there after she will need to feed on blood just before each time lays her eggs, where at best, she will live out her life in a month or two.
What is the Best Way to Keep Mosquitoes Away & From Biting You?
1) Clean out anything that can hold water in the yard: The old tires, wheelbarrows, flower pots, birdfeeders, buckets, and other such clutter in the yard that collect water from rain, sprinklers, or splashed pool water make potential nurseries for the mosquitoes. Be sure to remove them to avoid eggs getting laid in your yard.
2) Maintain clean gutters: Another opportunity for mosquitoes to lay eggs is in clogged gutters that have been blocked by leaves, sticks, dirt, and other debris prevent waterflow. Be sure to have the gutters cleaned out frequently.
3) Keep the grounds level: Low levels in the ground collect standing water. Fill in any areas that are low to avoid water collecting on the ground.
4) Use quality window or door screens: Installed on the windows or around the doors and patios for added protection should be a 16-18 mesh that is the recommended size for pest control in order to keep the mosquitoes from wondering indoors.
5) Get any leaks and cracks repaired: Be sure to have any plumbing leaks repaired as well as cracks in the foundation
6) Seek out a professional: A-Tex Pest Management are qualified experts that can help provide barrier and mosquito control services to hinder the mosquitoes. Call us today!
