| Appearance |
 Pale
brown with whitish
stripes across abdomen; narrow
oval shape; 1/4- to 3/8-inch. Females are easily recognized by long thin
proboscis, or mouthparts, extending
from the
head. |
| Habitat |
|
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water
sources such as
storm drains, old tires, children's wading pools and birdbaths. They are
one of the best known and most detested summer pests. Female mosquitoes bite
humans and suck our blood, leaving behind welts and itching. While the United
States is fairly free of most mosquito-borne diseases, encephalitis remains a
problem,
most notably the potentially fatal West Nile
Virus. |
| Diet |
|
Female mosquitoes suck our blood. Male mosquitoes feed
on plant nectars.
|
| Control |
|
Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so
avoid
going outdoors during those times. Use insect repellent containing DEET
on
exposed skin whenever or wherever mosquitoes are likely to bite. To
eliminate
or reduce mosquito breeding sites, replace all standing water at least
once a
week. This includes bird baths, ponds and unfiltered pools. Remove
unnecessary
vegetation and any trash from around standing water sources that cannot
be
eliminated. Make sure screens are in place on all doors, windows and
other
openings. |
|
