Mosquito

Category:

Actual Size: ⅛ to ⅜”

Characteristics: Gray to black in color. Sometimes have white, green, or blue markings on the body.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes

Habitat: Mosquitoes infest areas with sources of still water, as they require stagnant puddles to reproduce.

Habits:

  • Crepuscular pests, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk.
  • Considered one of the most deadliest pests in the world due to the diseases they can carry and transmit.
  • Only the females feed on blood, which contains the proteins they need to reproduce.


Mosquitoes in North Jersey

Almost all of us have experienced an itchy mosquito bite at least once in our lives. However, most people don’t know that mosquitoes are considered one of the most dangerous pests in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over one million people die each year as a result of a mosquito bite – typically because of a serious disease such as malaria.  Though it may feel impossible to completely eradicate these pests from your property, there are still a few ways you can protect yourself from major infestations and bites. Wearing long sleeves, using an EPA-approved repellant, and removing sources of standing water are just a few techniques you can use to stay safe from mosquitoes.

Mosquito Habitat

Mosquitoes are found all across the globe, including right here in New Jersey. With over 200 species invading the United States, their habitats can range from deserts to cold mountain meadows with elevations of 10,000 feet or higher. All they really need to survive is about a half-inch of stagnant water, which they use for laying eggs. From kiddie pools and upturned buckets to flowerpots and overflowing buckets, they can use almost any puddle to reproduce. If you want to deter mosquitoes from using your space as a breeding ground, be sure to go around and routinely remove any containers that could be collecting rainwater.

Mosquito Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Female mosquitoes require a blood meal before they can lay eggs, which causes them to bite humans and animals. Though most bites only result in an annoying and itchy welt that goes away within a few days, some can transmit viruses that could take a serious toll on your health. In some cases, the mosquito-transmitted virus shows no symptoms or only results in mild flu-like symptoms, but severe diseases such as malaria and Lyme disease could lead to life-threatening situations – both for you and your pets. If you are ever concerned about exposure to a mosquito-borne illness, seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

Mosquitoes can be dangerous, which is why it’s so important to contact a professional mosquito pest control technician for exclusion and control services to protect your North Jersey property.