There are over 3000 different mosquito species throughout the world, but only around 170 are found in the United States. Of those, there are three primary types that feed on human blood and give us the most trouble in the United States. Read on to learn more about the appearance, life cycles, and habits of these common types.
Mostly gray with white, silver, green or iridescent blue scales
Narrow, oval shaped with six legs and antennae
About ¼” - ⅜” in size
Life cycle
Egg to adult stage takes 6 – 10 days
Complete metamorphosis – egg, larval, pupa and adult
Habits
Found in warm, wet environments
Can breed in stagnant water of any kind
Find blood meals by detecting heat and carbon dioxide exhaled by humans
Prefer darker colors
Transmit West Nile virus and some encephalitis diseases
Yellow Fever mosquito
Appearance
Dark brown to black with silverish-white markings
Long, segmented body with a pair of wings, six legs, and antennae
About ⅛” in size
Life cycle
Egg to adult stage takes 6 – 8 days
Complete metamorphosis – egg, larval, pupa and adult
Habits
Live in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates
Lay eggs in shaded, stagnant water
Active around the clock
Prefer biting humans, but will also bite dogs and other pets
Can transmit dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus
Asian Tiger mosquito
Appearance
White and black striped legs and body
Long, segmented body with a pair of wings, six legs, and antennae
About ⅛” in size
Life cycle
Egg to adult stages takes about two weeks under ideal conditions
Complete metamorphosis – egg, larval, pupa and adult
Habits
Active year-round in warm regions, but will overwinter in temperate ones
Lay eggs inside items that can ½” or more of stagnant water
Typically feed during the daylight hours
Can transmit Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue fever, Chikungunya, and other diseases
Mosquito diseases
Mosquitoes are responsible for more deaths due to disease than any other animal on the planet. Mosquitoes transmit disease by feeding on someone who has the disease. The virus or bacteria ends up in the mosquito's gut and eventually makes its way back to the salivary glands. This then helps pass it through the mouth and into the person being bitten. The list of viruses and diseases from mosquito bites is growing and the symptoms vary from virus to virus.
Some mosquito-borne diseases that can be transmitted include:
Chikungunya virus
Dengue fever
Encephalitis
Malaria
West Nile virus
Yellow fever
Zika virus
Canine heartworm
Mosquito control professionals
At Ehrlich, we have been helping homes and businesses take care of their mosquito problems for decades. Each of our mosquito control technicians is trained to find mosquito hiding places in order to create the most effective barrier around your property. We’ll also offer advice that can help you prevent their return.