Mosquitoes

What is a culex mosquito?

Scientific Name(s)

• Culex pipiens (Northern House Mosquito)
• Aedes aegypti (Yellow Fever Mosquito)
• Anopheles species (Malaria Mosquito)
  

Description

Mosquitoes are one of the most bothersome summertime pests. There are over 3,000 types of mosquitoes in the world, and at least 170 of them can be found in North America. Out of these thousands of mosquito species, only a couple are known to feed on human blood, including the Culex genus. This genus of mosquitoes (sometimes referred to as common house mosquitoes) encompasses several species which are capable of transmitting diseases such as West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis.

Habitats

• Stagnant water sources (puddles, ponds, bird baths, clogged gutters)
• Damp areas around vegetation and trees
• Near lakes, rivers, and marshes
• Areas with poor drainage around residential or commercial properties

Behavior & Characteristics

• Active mainly during dawn and dusk
• Males feed on nectar, while females require blood for reproduction
• Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, and certain scents
• Mosquitoes breed in standing water, laying their eggs on the water’s surface
• Mosquitoes can fly several miles in search of food and water sources

Health Risks

• Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and dengue fever
• Their bites cause itching and swelling, potentially leading to skin infections
• Mosquitoes are a major public health concern, especially in warmer climates

Signs of Infestation

• Presence of adult mosquitoes flying around your property, especially in the evening
• Stagnant water in your yard or around your home
• Frequent mosquito bites on your skin
• Visible mosquito larvae in standing water sources like pools, puddles, and flower pots

Prevention Tips

• Eliminate standing water in and around your home (empty bird baths, clogged gutters, or flower pots)
• Install screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering
• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET or natural alternatives like citronella
• Plant mosquito-repellent plants like lavender, citronella, or marigolds
• Consider professional mosquito treatments for yard and property management

Treatment Options

• Mosquito barrier sprays around the perimeter of your home and yard
• Mosquito traps and larvicides to target breeding areas
• Fogging treatments for large infestations
• Professional mosquito control services for ongoing prevention

For reliable mosquito control in Tucson & Phoenix AZ, and surrounding areas, contact our team to eliminate mosquitoes and prevent disease transmission.

Interesting Facts

• Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal, primarily due to the diseases they transmit
• Only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals, as they need the protein from blood to reproduce
• Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, body odor, and heat, making humans their ideal target

FAQs

Q1: Why do mosquitoes bite me?
Mosquitoes bite to obtain blood, which provides the necessary proteins for laying eggs. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale, body heat, and specific odors emitted by our skin.

Q2: Are mosquitoes dangerous?
Yes. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as malaria, Zika, dengue, and West Nile virus, which pose serious health risks, especially in areas with large populations of mosquitoes.

Q3: How can I prevent mosquitoes from breeding around my home?
To prevent mosquito breeding, eliminate stagnant water sources around your property, such as in bird baths, puddles, and clogged gutters. Regularly clean and maintain outdoor spaces to discourage mosquitoes from settling.