Mosquitoes

Mosquitos are small flying insects that are reminiscent of small flies. In addition to buzzing around your picnic, however, mosquitoes also deliver unpleasant bites to unsuspecting victims. Almost 200 recognized species of mosquitoes live in the United States, making them one of the most common pests across the country.

If you’re dealing with mosquitoes in your backyard, discover more about these pests and how PURCOR can solve your mosquito issue.

Types of Mosquitoes

Cattail Mosquito

The cattail mosquito lives in all regions of the United States. They get their name from making their home among the cattail marshes and other freshwater vegetation. The water is also where the females lay their eggs. These pests are active during the spring and summer and usually bite at night. Cattail mosquitoes are brown with speckled white spots and generally 1/4″ long.

Winter Mosquito

Winter mosquitoes breed and flourish in water. You can find them throughout North America in any stagnant body of water — rain pools, ditches, ponds, pools — this is also where the female will lay her eggs. Measuring half an inch long, winter mosquitos are nocturnal insects and are most active during the warm months, despite their name. The females will bite humans, but they prefer a more warm-blooded victim. Their bite can carry and transmit diseases, such as the West Nile virus and equine encephalitis.

Southern House Mosquito

Like most mosquitoes, both the male and female sip nectar and fruit juices. However, with the southern house mosquitoes, only the females take blood from their host. Hunting from evening to morning, they target mostly birds but are known to bite humans, as well. You can find these mosquitoes in the southern third of the United States, from southern California to Florida, laying their eggs on dirty bodies of water.

What do mosquitoes eat?

Female mosquitoes feed on the blood of humans, animals, and other living creatures. Blood provides nutrients to the female mosquitoes’ eggs to help them develop. Male mosquitoes, on the other hand, only feed on plants’ nectar. When they aren’t reproducing, female mosquitoes also consume nectar.

How long do mosquitoes live?

The lifespan of mosquitoes varies by species. On average, a mature female mosquito lives about two to three weeks. Some subspecies, however, can survive in garages and attics for nearly half a year. Contact PURCOR and schedule a mosquito inspection if you suspect these blood-sucking pests have invaded.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

Aside from their itchy, irritating bites, mosquitoes do not have venomous bites or stingers. However, they do carry a wide range of diseases, including:

• Zika virus
• West Nile virus
• Chikungunya virus
• Dengue Malaria

Request Your Free Mosquito Control Estimate from PURCOR

Give yourself peace of mind against mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are swarming around your home, call our certified pest professionals. During our thorough inspection, we’ll identify problem areas for mosquitoes and provide customized, targeted pest solutions.

Control and prevent mosquitoes with PURCOR. Request your free estimate online today.