Mosquitoes and disease

Updated on: June 26, 2026

Quick overview

• Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths each year than any other animal on the planet
• In the US, West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness, accounting for 95% of all domestic mosquito disease cases
• Only female mosquitoes bite as they need blood protein to produce eggs
• Mosquitoes complete their life cycle in as little as 10 to 16 days, meaning populations can grow fast
• Eliminating standing water around your property is the single most effective DIY prevention step
• Professional mosquito control plays an important role in protecting public health

Spring brings warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and, inevitably, mosquitoes. These biting insects typically become active around April and remain a problem through September or October. In warmer parts of the country, activity can start earlier and stretch well into winter.

While mosquitoes are definitely a nuisance, many species also play a role in transmitting pathogens to both humans and animals. This is what makes mosquito control and public education so important for protecting community health.

These insects are among the most efficient vectors of harmful disease-causing organisms in the world. According to the CDC, West Nile virus alone caused 2,770 confirmed mosquito disease cases in the US in 2023, with 208 deaths and 73% of patients requiring hospitalization. Globally, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths each year than any other animal.

In the US, the pathogens mosquitoes can carry include several types of encephalitis viruses and canine heartworm. West Nile virus (WNV) remains the most common mosquito-borne illness in the continental US, but dengue, Zika, and Eastern equine encephalitis are also active concerns depending on where you live.

The Impact of Mosquitoes on Humans

Because mosquitoes can have such an impact on humans and animals, it is important to be educated on their biology and behavior so you can avoid them using a variety of integrated pest management techniques. Mosquitoes go through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

The first three stages are all aquatic; eggs are laid in or near water, and larvae and pupae develop underwater. Once the pupal stage is complete, adult mosquitoes will emerge from the water. Only adult female mosquitoes bite, as they require the protein from a blood meal for egg production while adult males feed on nectar. A mosquito can complete its entire life cycle in as little as 10 to 16 days, which means populations can grow quickly and outbreaks can appear with little warning.

So what can you do? The first step in any mosquito control program is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.  This means draining any container (i.e. flower pots, bird baths, children’s toys etc.) that can hold a cup or more of water.

Additional steps to take to avoid mosquitoes and disease include keeping vegetation mowed to eliminate mosquito resting sites and the use of screens to exclude mosquitoes from a home or building.  When spending time outdoors, wear light colored clothing and use an insect repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient.

Controlling Mosquitoes and Disease

DIY methods can offer some short-term relief, but they rarely address the full picture. Mosquito exterminators play an important role in protecting public health. A professional assessment of your property can identify breeding sites and high-risk areas that are easy to miss. If you're concerned about mosquito activity around your home, getting a professional inspection is a practical next step. 

Professional mosquito control goes further than DIY prevention alone. Barrier treatments involve applying targeted products to perimeter vegetation, ornamentals, and mulch areas around a home or building. When mosquitoes land to rest in these areas, they come into contact with the treatment, helping to reduce adult populations around your property.

To get started, contact your local Ehrlich office to book a free pest inspection. We'll assess your yard, identify problem areas, and walk you through your options.