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Where Do Mosquitoes Come From?

Serving Suffolk County | Nassau County | Long Island | Brooklyn

Summer is upon us, and what better time to enjoy outdoor activities on Long Island? Living by the water and enjoying outdoor activities like going to the beach, fishing, and camping has its perks, but it also means running into a certain abundant pest that breeds near oceans, ponds, marshes, and other water sources—the mosquito. Not only do mosquito pests bite and feed on animal and human blood, causing itching and discomfort, but they’re also vectors for a multitude of serious disease-causing viruses. Some mosquito-borne diseases you may have heard of are the West Nile Virus, Zika, yellow fever, dengue fever, and malaria, to name a few. Obviously, mosquitoes are a serious concern, and protecting your family and home is of utmost importance.

Mosquito Close Up on blue fabric

Have you ever wondered where mosquitoes come from? You’re in the right place. In this post, you’ll learn the answers to several questions, including:

  • Where do mosquitoes come from?
  • When do mosquitoes come out?
  • Where are mosquitoes the rest of the year?
  • What causes mosquitoes?
  • Where do mosquitoes live?
  • Who’s at the most risk for mosquito bites?
  • How can you prevent mosquitoes?

Where do mosquitoes come from?

Mosquitoes need water to breed, so they typically inhabit moist, dark areas. Since Long Island is surrounded by water, it’s a prime breeding ground for around 50 mosquito species, according to the Suffolk County government. Interestingly enough, one of the most common species you’ll encounter on Long Island, the Asian tiger mosquito, made its way into the United States from Asia via a shipment of used tires in the 1980s.

When do mosquitoes come out?

Mosquitoes are primarily seen out on Long Island during the summer months, due to the warm, humid climate and its importance in their breeding habits. Mosquitoes deposit their eggs in puddles of standing water during the summer when the temperature is higher (eggs will typically not hatch unless it’s at least 50° Fahrenheit). Warmer temperatures allow mosquitoes to complete their growth cycles quicker, allowing new mosquitoes to rapidly emerge. Mosquitoes enjoy the sun, but they’re easily dehydrated by it, which is why you’re more likely to see or feel them at night. One exception to this is the Asian tiger mosquito, which is quite active during the day on Long Island.

Where are mosquitoes for the rest of the year?

So if mosquitoes mainly come out during the spring and summer months, where are they the rest of the year? Well, this varies by species. Typically, mosquitoes respond to cold winter weather in one of two ways—by spending fall preparing for hibernation in enclosed spaces like garages, sheds, or under homes, or by making winter-proofed eggs then dying. Then, when the warm months come back around, the mosquitoes come out of hibernation and begin feeding, reproducing, and laying eggs once again.

What causes mosquitoes?

So why do mosquitoes come out and bother us? It mostly comes down to temperature, weather, and humidity, which is why there are tons of mosquitoes in some areas of the world, and not so many in others (Antarctica and Iceland are mosquito-free!). As mentioned, proximity to heat and water plays a significant role in bringing out mosquitoes, which is why it’s important for Long Island residents to ensure your family is protected with a solid mosquito control service.

Where do mosquitoes live?

So where do these pesky little creatures live? Mosquitoes live and breed in stagnant, standing freshwater often found near homes. They also live in containers like flower pots, children’s toys, clogged gutters, buckets, discarded tires, ornamental ponds without fish, and in non-maintained swimming pools or on pool covers. There, they lay their eggs which hatch into larvae, develop into pupae, and emerge as adults.

Who’s at the most risk for mosquito bites?

Although most people who get mosquito bites are generally fine, and at worst, experience some itching, as previously mentioned, mosquitoes can be quite dangerous due to the deadly diseases they’re known to cause such as West Nile Virus and the Zika virus. The fact that mosquito bites may go unnoticed adds an element of concern.

Everyone is at risk for mosquito bites and these viruses they may transmit. Aside from genetics, research suggests you may be more likely to get bitten by mosquitoes if you have Type O blood, emit more carbon dioxide, are pregnant, are exercising, or if you have bacteria or cholesterol deposits on your skin surface. People living in or traveling in areas with large mosquito populations, are also especially at risk, as well as outdoor workers, business travelers, laboratory workers working with infected samples, and healthcare workers who come in contact with disease carriers.

How can you prevent mosquitoes?

So how exactly can you prevent mosquitoes around your home? Step one is depriving the mosquitoes of water sources. Since mosquitoes are drawn to water build-ups, start by clearing your gutters, storm drains, downspouts, and window wells. Next, check for areas around your home that attract and trap moisture—think plant pots, buckets, your children’s outdoor toys, any tires or containers you have outside, and your pool. Keeping your grass and hedges short is another way to prevent water from collecting and turning your yard into a mosquito breeding ground.

Suburban Exterminating Protects Your Family & Home From Mosquitoes

It’s hard to enjoy the great outdoors when you’re swatting away mosquitoes or thinking about West Nile Virus. Suburban Exterminating is Long Island, New York’s leading full-service pest management company, and our Mosquito Protection Summer Package is the final answer to your mosquito questions! For a limited time, we are offering 20% OFF 6 mosquito treatments, all backed by our Mosquito-Free Guarantee.

We are state-certified, licensed pest control technicians, and start by pinpointing the breeding sources around your property. Then, we treat your property every two weeks with our eco-friendly, child and pet-safe mosquito spray. Whether you’re looking for ongoing mosquito protection for you and your family, or you need a one-time treatment, you always get the best value in mosquito protection with Suburban Exterminating. Reclaim your yard this summer! For a free mosquito inspection and estimate, contact us today.

Where Do Mosquitoes Come From? Serving Long Island and surrounding areas

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