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Plant Protection - Mosquito Biology & Control

The first and most important step in mosquito control is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home.  Although swamps and streams are often blamed for producing mosquitoes, most mosquitoes stay relatively close to the area where they were hatched.  Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing or slow-moving water.  Generally, streams or creeks are not good breeding areas for mosquitoes since the water movement may submerge and drown the eggs.  The first step in mosquito control is to eliminate standing water by removing all discarded tires from your property, dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers, and make sure that roof gutters are draining properly.  The water in birdbaths and catch plates for potted plants should be changed every 3 to 4 days, and plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows should be turned over when not in use.  All of these steps will help eliminate mosquito-breeding sites on your property.  It is not a good idea to trespass on anyone's property, but remind or help neighbors to eliminate these breeding sites on their property.

To avoid bites indoors, make sure that all doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.  Repair or replace any screens that have tears or holes that may allow mosquitoes to enter your home or apartment. Remember, although summers are too hot for most Georgians to keep their windows open, mosquitoes can fly into houses and bite during the spring and fall seasons.  Flush all of the commodes in house at least once per week.  Unused commodes in guest bedrooms can become an indoor mosquito breeding site.

Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor refuge for mosquitoes.  These areas can be treated with insecticides such as Malathion to help reduce mosquito numbers around your home, but be aware that mosquitoes can also move from neighboring wooded areas.

Q: When is mosquito season?
A: Mosquitoes are generally active from April to October, but our recent mild winters have allowed mosquitoes to be active much as early as March and as late as early December.

Q: Where do mosquitoes live?
A: The Culex pipiens mosquito (the common house mosquito) lays its eggs in standing or slow-moving water.  Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor refuge for adult Culex pipiens mosquitoes.

Q: Is there a specific time of day when mosquitoes are most active?
A: Most mosquitoes tend to be most active, and tend to bite more, between dusk and dawn.

Q: Should I take personal precautions against mosquito bites during the day?
A: It is not necessary to take personal precautions during the day when mosquitoes are much less active.  However, it is advised that long pants, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and socks be worn during the day in areas where there are weeds, tall grass, or bushes, and that the use of a mosquito repellent containing DEET (Always follow the manufacturer's directions) be considered.  Taking these precautions will minimize the possibility of exposure to mosquitoes.

Products with a low concentration of DEET may be appropriate for situations where exposure times to mosquitoes is minimal.  Higher concentrations of DEET may be useful in highly infested areas, longer exposure times, or with species that are more difficult to repel.  Use of DEET concentrations above 50% have been associated with increased skin irritation and similar reactions.  Where appropriate, consider using non-chemical ways to deter biting insects such as protective clothing (as outlined above), window- and door screens, and wearable netting when camping.  As with any pesticide, be sure to read and follow label directions.  Here are some guidelines when using DEET. In general, pregnant women should take care to avoid exposure to DEET whenever practical. Consult with your physician if you have any questions about using DEET.

• Do not allow children to handle mosquito repellent.
• Do not apply DEET directly to children. Apply to your own hands and then  put it on the child.
• DEET is effective for approximately 4 hours. Avoid prolonged or excessive use of DEET. Use sparingly to cover exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply to skin covered by clothing.
• Wash all treated skin and clothing with soap and water after returning indoors.
• Never use repellents over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Store DEET out of the reach of children.
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Q: Does taking Vitamin B, using ultrasonic devices, or burning incense repel mosquitoes?
A: There is no scientific evidence to show these methods are effective in preventing mosquito bites.

Q: How far can a mosquito travel?
A: Depending on the species, adult mosquitoes may fly several miles with help from the wind.  Culex pipiens, the species most commonly associated with the West Nile virus, has a travel range of two to three miles.

Q: How long do adult mosquitoes live?
A: Generally, adult female mosquitoes have a life span of 2 weeks to a month while adult male mosquitoes only live a week.

Q: Why are some people bitten more than others?
A: There are many reasons for this.  Cologne, perfumes and scented body lotions can attract mosquitoes.  Dark-colored clothing is also more attractive to mosquitoes.  During evenings, nighttime and dawn, mosquitoes are most active in searching for blood, so people outdoors during that time are more likely to be bitten.  Finally, everyone's body is different, and some people produce natural body odors that are more enticing for mosquitoes.

Q: What is the life cycle of a mosquito?
A: A mosquito goes through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult.  Eggs are laid in clusters and float on the surface of water.  They may be stuck together in rafts of hundreds, or laid separately on water or flooded soil.  Most eggs hatch into larvae within 48 hours.  Adult female mosquitoes can lay eggs every 10-14 days.  Once hatched, mosquito larvae live in water from 4 to 14, days depending on the water temperature.  The larvae of most mosquito species hang suspended from the water surface.  An air tube extends from the larva's posterior to the water surface and acts as a ``snorkel."  The larvae filter-feed on aquatic microorganisms near the surface.  As a defense mechanism, when alarmed, the larvae can dive deeper into the water by swimming in a characteristic ``S" motion.  The pupal stage is a resting, non-feeding stage.  Mosquito pupae must live in water from 1 to 4 days, depending on the species and water temperature.  When development is complete, the pupal skin splits and the mosquito emerges as an adult.

Q: What is the adult stage?
A: The newly emerged adult mosquito rests on the surface of the water for a short time to dry and allow all its parts to harden.  If nothing eats or kills it, the female adult can live up to a month, while the male only lives about one week.  Only the female mosquito bites.

Q: If my neighbors don't take care of the standing water in their yards, should I report them to my County Health Department?
A: Each person should to take primary responsibility for eliminating standing water on his or her home or business property.  Your first course of action should be to talk with the individual if you feel appropriate mosquito control steps are not being taken. 

Q: What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus?
A: From April to October, when mosquitoes are most active, take the necessary precautions.  Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home.  Wear protective clothing, such as long pants, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, if you will be outside from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, or during the day in an area where there are weeds, tall grass, or bushes. Consider using an insect repellent containing DEET. 

Q: Do I need to change my safety practices when working outdoors?
A: With some simple precautions it is usually not necessary to limit your usual outdoor work or change standard outdoor health and safety practices, but precautions should be taken from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. 

Q: How can I avoid heat stress on hot, humid days?
A: If you wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes and socks to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, you might be at greater risk for heat stress on hot, humid days.  To avoid symptoms of heat stress, you should:

• Wear light-colored, breathable clothing that allows moisture to evaporate quickly
• Use extra caution if you are required to wear clothing on the job that limits evaporation-you could develop heat stress much more quickly.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeine liquids to maintain body hydration.
  
  

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