Mosquito

Category:

Actual Size:  ⅛” to ⅜” 

Characteristics: Gray to black; some having white, green, or blue markings.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes

Habitat: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant, standing water sources such as ponds, rain gutters, storm drains, old tires, children’s wading pools, and birdbaths.

Habits:

  • Most active at dawn and dusk.
  • All mosquitoes have a large slender mouthpart called a proboscis.
  • One of the deadliest animals in the world due to the diseases they can transmit.

Mosquitoes in Baton Rouge

Throughout the nation, there are more than 200 species of mosquitoes. They are found all over, from deserts to mountain meadows at elevations of 10,000+ feet. The most important thing to know about mosquitoes is that they are a major threat to human health, possibly more so than any other animal. As a nuisance pest, their bites can leave you with red, itchy marks and welts. However, they are infamous for transmitting some of the world’s most dangerous diseases, from malaria and West Nile to the Zika virus and more. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that mosquito bites result in the deaths of more than 1 million people every year, mostly from malaria. Only certain species of mosquitoes transmit disease.

Mosquito Habitat

Mosquitoes need a source of standing or slow-moving water to lay their eggs and breed. This is why they are commonly found around marshes and lakes. However, they only need a half-inch of standing water to breed, which is why they can easily infest yards and outdoor spaces in residential areas. They are found in kiddie pools, metal buckets, flower pots, and any object that collects rainwater or excess water from irrigation systems. This underscores the importance of Louisiana homeowners regularly checking their property for containers that could be collecting water to keep mosquitoes away.

Mosquito Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Most mosquito species require a blood meal before they can reproduce a batch of eggs, which is why they bite. Some things to know about mosquito bites and the threats they pose include:

  • Many people and animals are bitten by mosquitoes with no side effects except the typical itchy welt.
  • Most people infected with mosquito-transmitted viruses show no symptoms or only mild, flu-like symptoms that may not result in a visit to the doctor.
  • However, severe symptoms following infection occur in a small percentage of people.
  • Mosquitoes are also responsible for transmitting heartworm in dogs.

Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous pests, making it crucial to enlist the help of a professional mosquito exterminator for help with infestations.

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