Mosquitoes Facts & Information

Mosquitoes have a long and narrow body with 6 spindly legs and a signature pair of scaled wings. Their most evident feature is their elongated mouthpart called the proboscis, and it is used to pierce skin and extract blood. The majority of adult mosquitoes measure around 3 to 6 millimeters, with coloring ranging from dark brown to pale gray, usually with striped backs or legs.

In spite of their small size, the whiny wingbeat of these pests is quite recognizable. Males generally feed on plants and nectar, whereas females are the ones that bite, seeking blood to fuel the development of their egg. Under the right conditions, eggs hatch swiftly, and swarms can build up before you even notice the first few bites.

Unlike many pests that invade homes for shelter, mosquitoes are attracted by biology, which includes scent, body heat, and the carbon dioxide you exhale. Once they pick up your trail, they close in with precision, and their ability to sense a warm-blooded host from several feet away makes them extremely efficient hunters.

Aside from that, female mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs in just a teaspoon of stagnant water. That means birdbaths, damp tarps, clogged gutters, or flowerpot saucers can serve as mosquito nurseries. Add in their flight range and short breeding cycles, and you’ve got a pest that does not need an open door to transform into a severe infestation.

Still water is the sanctuary of mosquitoes. Whether it’s a kiddie pool, a rain-filled bucket, or a soggy corner of your lawn, it only takes a bit of moisture for a mosquito population to take hold. These insects also rest in shaded locations, including under decks, thick shrubs, or eaves, emerging around dusk to feed.

Moreover, mosquito activity normally spikes are rainstorms or during warm months when outdoor humidity increases. They sneak into homes through torn screens, open windows, or barely noticeable gaps. Without constant control, they can breed discreetly and return in greater numbers every night.