Mosquitoes

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Culicidae
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0.15" - 0.4"

The true vampires of the sky, these disease-spreading insects are prehistoric nightmares for mother nature.

Threat Level
8
Nuisance Score
10

Characteristics

Mosquitoes are small flying-insects that you can find just about anywhere except Antarctica. With a petite size of around 1/4-inches long, these critters are equipped with slender legs and antennae that give them their distinctive appearance. In most cases, mosquitoes will be brown or black with a few species sporting speckles across their legs and abdomen.

Mosquitoes are drawn to animals, capable of sensing heat and the carbon dioxide that we exhale. This helps them zero in on potential targets for their next meal.

Biology

Mosquitoes are parasites, they rely on the blood of animals, and unfortunately, humans, for their meals. This makes them less than popular at summer barbecues and backyard sports outings.

Interestingly though, females are the only gender that will feed as males exist purely for breeding purposes. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water or damp soil. The resulting larvae then morph through a series of stages until they grow into full-fledged adult mosquitoes.

When feeding, female mosquitoes inject a hypodermic-needle like proboscis into the victim which emits a saliva that contains an anesthetic and anticoagulant allowing the mosquito to feed uninterrupted. Using this blood, the mosquito will go on to lay up to 100 eggs in her nesting area of choice.

Habitat

Mosquitoes can be found in a plethora of habitats. These include forests, wetlands, and surprisingly, even our cozy homes. They have a soft spot for warm and humid environments, which makes places like North Carolina a paradise for these critters.

Mosquitoes can travel at upwards of 1.5mph and they’ve been known to travel very long distances.

Human Interaction

Mosquitoes are not just a buzzing nuisance but can also pose significant health risks. They're known to transmit over 100 diseases, some of which are serious like malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. On top of that, they're not the most considerate house guests, laying eggs in water containers and causing damage to property.

FAQ

How can I get rid of mosquitoes?
How do mosquitoes get into my home?
How do I identify a mosquito?

Pest Control

If you can't seem to enjoy your summer in peace, it's time to call the professionals. A pest control company with expertise in mosquito control can help you regain your peace quickly and effectively. In many cases, investing in a top-notch mosquito treatment is the best way to eliminate a mosquito problem.

Here are some bonus tips on how to keep mosquitoes at bay:

  • Regularly drain water from birdbaths and other containers.
  • Turn off outdoor lights at night to avoid attracting them.

If you're dealing with mosquitoes in Charlotte, or any other part of North Carolina, remember these tips!

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