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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.
- House mosquito (Culex species)
- Yellow Fever mosquito (Aedes Aegypti)
- Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes Albopictus)
House mosquito
Culex species
Appearance
- 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
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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.
Call us today at 800-837-5520 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.
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