About Mosquitoes

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Australia has more than 300 different species of mosquitoes. They are a small blood sucking insects belonging to the family of flies called Culicidae. Mosquitoes are known to carry and transmit diseases although only a small number of species are considered a major concern in Australia. It is their persistent biting that is a major disruption to people across Australia. This can affect people’s outdoor lifestyles to a stage where their control is essential.

The Mosquito’s reproduction cycle relies on a water habitat with the immature stage of life being totally aquatic. The adult female will return to a water habitat to lay a batch of eggs. Most mosquitoes then stay within a two kilometre distance from their original breeding place hence mosquitoes being more of a problem along the edges of wetlands, lakes and rivers. On average a female mosquito will live for about 3 weeks with the male less than this.

Both male and female will feed on plant fluids and nectar but only the female will seek a blood meal as a source of protein for reproduction. They are attracted to people and animals by various stimuli including body odours, carbon dioxide, movement and heat. The female will then probe the skin for a blood capillary, injecting a small amount of saliva containing chemicals which prevent the person or animal’s blood from clotting.

After feeding on blood the female will find a place to rest, digesting their meal and developing eggs. They will then fly off to a suitable water habitat to lay eggs.The larvae’s development depends on the availability of food and the temparature but generally takes one to two weeks. They develop into a pupa (tumbler) from which the adult mosquito hatches about two days later to feed, mate and begin the breeding cycle once again.   

Control of Mosquitoes

Basic precautions can be taken to minimise contact with mosquitoes.

• Try to avoid areas known to be infested with mosquitoes.
• If you are outdoors in mosquito prone areas, wear long sleeved clothing and long pants. Wear covered footwear and socks.
• Common mosquito repellents sprayed on uncovered skin can be effective (but do not use repeatedly on young children).
• Screens on doors and windows will prevent them from getting in-doors.
• Mosquito nets over you bed are a popular barrier against biting.
• Try and empty any water in open containers or objects around you home such as pot plant bases or guttering to help prevent breeding. A thin mesh can be applied over water tanks or small ponds to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
• Common insecticidal sprays, mosquito coils and electric traps can be useful in deterring Mosquitoes around your home, especially at dusk when they are more likely to bite and a popular time for us to be outdorrs socialising or relaxing.

Some local council’s may help to treat mosquitoes in infested areas. The use of larvicides (pesticides that kill the larvae) prevents mosquitoes from maturing to adults. Where disease out-breaks have occurred, fogging may be used to kill the infected adult mosquito population.

For Professional Advice & Treatment of Mosquitoes:

Call Best Pest Control on 1800 013 911 or request a FREE pest control quote.