Mosquitoes

What do mosquitoes look like?

California is home to more than 50 mosquito species. While they all look slightly different, they all have long, thin legs, large eyes, and needle-like mouthparts for biting. After feeding, their abdomens swell, making them more noticeable. 

What do mosquitoes eat?

In Northern California, mosquitoes feed on nectar, plant sap, and honeydew, providing them the energy they need to survive. While male and female mosquitoes rely on these sugary sources, only females seek blood meals to support egg production. Depending on the species, they may bite humans, birds, mammals, and even reptiles or amphibians. Some mosquitoes consume sugary fruits, including fallen or overripe produce in yards. Their diet varies based on what’s available in the environment, but their primary goal is always to find nourishment for survival and reproduction.

Do all mosquitoes bite?

No, not all mosquitoes bite. Only female mosquitoes bite to get the nutrients they need for reproduction. Male mosquitoes? They’re all about the plant-based diet, sticking to nectar and other sugary sources.

Where do mosquitoes lay eggs?

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, and their larvae—wrigglers—develop there. Wrigglers breathe at the surface and feed on tiny organisms until they mature into pupae (or "tumblers"), wiggling around in the water when disturbed. Within days, they transform into adult mosquitoes, ready to take flight.

How fast do mosquitoes reproduce?

Under the right conditions, a mosquito’s life cycle—from egg to adult—can take as little as 7 to 14 days.

• Mating: Females are ready to reproduce within 24 hours of reaching adulthood.
• Egg-laying: Within another 24 hours, they find a blood meal and start laying eggs.
• Egg hatching: Most eggs hatch in under 48 hours.
• Larvae stage: This lasts 7 to 10 days, depending on weather conditions.
• Pupae stage: Mosquitoes pupate for 24 to 48 hours before emerging as adults.

Once they mature, the cycle repeats.

What attracts mosquitoes?

Food, moisture, and standing water attract mosquitoes. Unfortunately, yards often have plenty of all three. Tall grass, overgrown weeds, aphids, flowering plants, and standing water can all draw mosquitoes to your property. 

What mosquito-borne diseases are in California?

Not all mosquitoes carry disease, but infected mosquitoes can spread serious illnesses, including the following: 

• West Nile virus (WNV)
  West Nile virus is the most common locally transmitted mosquito-borne disease in California. It’s spread by infected mosquitoes that have fed on birds carrying the virus. Most people who get WNV don’t experience symptoms, but in rare cases, it can cause severe neurological complications. Unfortunately, California reports human cases every year, with a handful of fatalities.

• St. Louis encephalitis (SLE)
  Also locally transmitted, this virus is closely related to West Nile virus and spreads similarly—mosquitoes bite infected birds and then pass the virus to humans. It’s rare, but cases do occasionally pop up in California. Symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to severe brain inflammation.
• Western equine encephalitis (WEE)
  This virus used to be a big concern in the western U.S.; thankfully, cases have dropped over the years. It mainly affects horses, though people can get it, too, sometimes leading to neurological issues. 
• Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika virus
  These viruses are spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which have been found in California. Currently, there’s no evidence of local transmission, and all known cases have been linked to travel. 
• Canine heartworm
  Heartworm disease is a serious health risk for dogs and cats. Mosquitoes spread heartworm larvae from infected animals to healthy ones. Unlike other mosquito-borne diseases, heartworms don’t affect humans—but they can be fatal to pets if left untreated.

The key to reducing your risk? Minimize mosquito exposure.

How do you get rid of mosquitoes in your yard?

The best way to drastically reduce these biting pests is to sign up for professional mosquito control. Find out how Big Time Pest Control, a locally owned and operated company, can help you avoid mosquito bites; contact us today! 

How can I prevent mosquitoes?

To make your property less attractive to biting mosquitoes, we recommend the following prevention tips: 

• Dump standing water from buckets, birdbaths, and anything that can collect rainwater.
• Keep grass trimmed and landscaping well-maintained.
• Fix drainage issues and repair plumbing problems.
• Control aphids to prevent honeydew buildup.
• Haul away organic debris where mosquitoes hide.

Call Big Time Pest Control today for reliable mosquito control in Sacramento, Anderson, Redding, and Northern California!