Mosquitoes
About
Mosquitoes are parasitic, fly-like insects that feed on the blood of people and animals. However, it is only female mosquitoes who feed on blood, as they need the protein acquired from blood to create their eggs. Both male and female mosquitoes' main food source is plant nectar and pollen. Adult mosquitoes have slender bodies; long, thin legs; and narrow, hairy wings. Mosquitoes feed using an extended, tube-like mouthpart (proboscis). Most species of mosquitoes are black, dark brown, or black and white in color.
Females lay their eggs on top of standing water. Standing water is also where their eggs hatch and where larvae develop into adults. Clogged gutters, bird baths, ornamental ponds, baby pools, pool covers, potted plants, buckets, and other containers that collect water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. During the heat of the day, mosquitoes like to hide in tall grasses, under trees and bushes, and underneath decks and porches. They are most active during dusk and dawn. Avoiding mosquitoes is important, not only because their bites are quite itchy, but because they spread a variety of dangerous diseases and parasites.
The best way to reduce the number of mosquitoes on your property is to get rid of standing water. To accomplish this, make sure to store containers that collect water upside down when not in use, regularly change out water in wading pools, bird baths, and pet bowls, and properly maintain pools, fill in low-lying areas on your property, and eliminate mosquito resting spots by keeping your lawn cut short and trimming back or removing overgrown vegetation from your property.