Insects: Mosquitoes
Of all the insects that attack man and animals, mosquitoes are by far the most important. They are the only vectors of malaria, yellow fever and dengue to man. They also transmit heartworms in dogs and viral encephalitis in horses. Worldwide there are over 2,500 species of mosquitoes, with about 150 species in the U.S. Mississippi has approximately 60 species.
Mosquitoes are perhaps the most successful of all insects. They inhabit almost every habitat on earth; from the arctic circle to the tropics. They do not inhabit saltwater.
Mosquitoes are important because of their blood-feeding behavior. This makes them major nuisances as well as disease carriers. Only the females suck blood - the males are nectar feeders. The females need the protein in blood to produce viable eggs.
More money is spent on mosquito control than on control of any other insect. Large cities and tourist areas often have large-area control programs with full-time staffs. Smaller cities and towns most often have programs using personnel with other duties in addition to mosquito control. In Mississippi there are an estimated 200 mosquito control programs. A total cost of mosquito control is difficult to estimate, but in the U.S. approximately $1 billion is spent to prevent and control dog heartworms yearly.
The one thing all mosquitoes have in common is water. The female mosquito lays her eggs in water or in places where water will be eventually. Examples of the latter include low places which will become puddles after rain and containers which hold water after rain. The eggs hatch in water and the larvae and pupae develop in water. Mosquitoes are unusual in that they have an active pupal stage. In almost all insects the pupa is a "resting stage" and is totally inactive. The mosquito pupa regularly comes to the water surface to breathe. Their characteristic swimming movement has lead to their being called "tumblers" by many.
Mosquito control around the home can be frustrating. Many species of mosquitoes are good fliers, able to fly miles from their watery larval home. There is not much that can be done to control these species around an individual residence. Other species however, never fly far from the water source from which they emerged. Puddles and water-holding containers around the home can be managed so mosquitoes cannot breed. This is the best approach for the individual homeowner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mosquitoes carry
AIDS?
No. The virus which
causes AIDS can not survive in a mosquito or any arthropod.
Will installing an electrocution device on my patio help control
mosquitoes?
No. Mosquitoes are not
attracted to the devices. See Newsletter:
"Electrocution
Devices for Insect Control"
Other Information
Calibration
Electrocution
Devices for Insect Control
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Product to Buy?
