Ford’s Pest of the Month: Mosquito

The mosquito goes through Complete Metamorphosis, which consist of four separate and distinct stages of its life cycle: Egg, Larva, Pupa, and Adult.

Mosquito eggs are laid one at a time or attached together to form egg masses.  Some float like rafts on the surface of the water while other eggs are placed in soil that is moist. Most eggs hatch into larvae within 2 days. Water is necessary for hatching to occur. The larvae then feed on organic matter in the water and molt 4 times.  The pupal stage is a resting stage and no food is ingested. Surprisingly, pupae are mobile, responding to light changes by using their tails as flippers and propelling themselves towards the bottom or into protective areas. When development is complete, the pupae skin opens and the adult mosquito emerges. The newly emerged adult rests on the surface of the water for a short time to allow itself to dry. The wings have to dry properly before the mosquito can fly. Blood feeding and mating will not occur for a couple of days after the adults emerge. How long each stage lasts depends on both temperature and species characteristics.

Mosquitoes are well known for caring and transmitting multiple types of diseases; Malaria, Dog Heartworm, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Chikungunya, West Nile Virus, and now Zika.  Mosquito and bird species test positive with the West Nile virus every year in the United States.

Our mosquito program helps kill and repel active mosquitoes. Our trained and licensed applicators treat harborage and breeding sites. These areas include trees, shrubs, ground cover, under decks, bedding plants, and if applicable wetlands. Applications may be made closer together during high insect pressure or re-infestation but no closer than one week apart. Larvicides may be applied if applicable to breeding sites for further protection. In addition to our applications, our trained applicators will also inspect and make recommendations to the homeowners that help reduce breeding areas. Also, both traditional and organic services are proven to kill and repel fleas, ants, spiders, ticks, and other biting insects.

Chris Ford
Vice President
Ford’s Hometown Services