Mosquitoes...What Everyone Should Know

From the Board of Health
What is the life cycle of mosquito?
Mosquitoes have four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. They spend their larval and pupal stages in water. Since the water source is constant, egg hatching and larval development is an ongoing process. Mosquitoes take approximately one week to develop from egg to adult. After emerging from the aquatic stages, adult mosquitoes mate and females seek a blood meal to obtain nutrients for egg development. Only the female mosquitoes bite. Adult male mosquitoes feed on plant nectar and die shortly after mating. The average life span for adult mosquitoes is 2 - 3 weeks.

What can homeowners do?

• Homeowners can control mosquitoes by eliminating standing water on their property. Any container holding water is a potential source of mosquitoes and is likely to cause problems around your home. Of particular concern are clogged gutters, scattered tires and unopened swimming pools.
• Remove water from swimming pool covers. If pools are not covered, make sure the water is clean so it is not attractive to mosquitoes. They will not be a problem, however, if the water disappears within 4 to 5 days. Artificial containers will remain wet for a much longer period of time.
• If you wish to collect rainwater, tightly screen the tops of the containers to prevent mosquitoes from depositing their eggs on the water surface. Items such as pet water bowls and birdbaths should be emptied and refilled at least once a week.
• Make sure windows and door screens are properly fitted and holes are patched to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.

Click here for additional information or visit Bergen County Mosquito Control Division.