The mosquito is a tiny insect but a large trouble maker. Throughout history, mankind has seen the devastation caused by them and most people would like to get rid of mosquitoes and be free of their itching bites. Today there are hundreds of different types of mosquitoes found in different parts of the world. Of the nearly 3400 species of mosquitoes prevalent today, the Aedes sollicitans – which prospers in marshes – is the most exasperating. Humans have unfortunately provided easy transportation to this species as a result of which it is found in almost every part of the world-barring Antarctica.
The Aedes mosquito is a deadly species known to be a vector of many diseases including dengue, yellow fever, as well as lymphatic filariasis. It is invasive and difficult to manage, so pest control is of utmost importance. Worry not, because I will be here to guide you throughout the process and show you how you can get rid of mosquitoes from your home and outdoors, and protect you and your family from their bites, which can potentially be dangerous. So let us start with the basics.
What are mosquitoes?
Life cycle of mosquitoes
A deeper understanding of the type of pest you are dealing with will help you get rid of mosquitoes more effectively. Here are the different stages that a mosquito goes through in its life cycle.
Mosquito eggs
The eggs can survive for up to 5 years before hatching.
Mosquito larvae and pupae
The pupae continue living in water and turn into adult mosquitoes within 2-3 days.
Adult mosquitoes
Female mosquitoes need plenty of blood meals to lay eggs. She finds her hosts by sight and smell and drinks nearly 5 millionths blood per attack.
What do mosquitoes look like?
A mosquito has a tough body with an exoskeleton that covers it entirely, including the eyes. The body is divided into head, thorax and abdomen. Each one weighs about 2.5 milligrams. Most species of mosquitoes are black and brown though some may be brightly colored and some might have stripes. The size of a mosquito’s body is about the size of grain of rice. Male mosquitoes are generally smaller than the females.
Head
The head contains the eyes and antennae. Eyes are compound and look huge-in fact they really are hundreds of seeing units packed tightly together which allows the insect to look in each and every direction, all at once. The antennae are a pair of movable feelers with tiny hair that can sense chemicals. On the mouth there is a sharp proboscis at the tip and this is what is used to bite, feed or suck blood from humans and animals.
Thorax
There are two see-through wings on the thorax fringed with scales that allow flight. Behind the hind wings you will find club like growths called halteres which help with balance and steering. Legs are attached to the thorax; the legs and feet are long and thin and mosquitoes use them to walk and hold on to their host. The legs are extremely delicate – a feature which allows the mosquito to land gently and go unnoticed.
Abdomen
The abdomen has tiny holes along the sides called the spiracles which allow air in and out of the body for breathing.
Do mosquitoes bite and what are the symptoms?
Mosquito bites can be very annoying and painful especially to people allergic to them. In such cases, mosquito saliva causes the body to produce histamine which leads to itching and other allergic symptoms such as:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pus filled blisters
- Red welts
- Extreme itchiness
It is important not to scratch the bitten area as it can lead to secondary skin infections that are a lot harder to treat. Apart from these symptoms, mosquitoes can also spread diseases that can make people sick or even kill them. That’s why mosquitoes should be considered as public enemies.
How to treat mosquito bites on humans
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
Mosquitoes are sure to have you for dinner, leaving you with numerous itchy bites in the morning. And as if that weren’t enough, they also spread unpleasant diseases like malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and recently even the Zika virus. A disease called encephalitis or brain fever is also caused by mosquitoes and has terrible symptoms like vomiting, headaches, stiffness of neck and back, seizures, memory loss and delirium. Recovery of most mosquito borne illnesses takes up to 2-3 weeks and very bad cases can require hospitalization. If there are neurological complications, the symptoms can last for months. Here is a list of viral diseases spread by mosquitoes:
- Malaria
- Dengue
- Yellow fever
- Easter equine encephalitis
- LaCrosse encephalitis
- West Nile virus
- Systematic lupus erythematosus
Many of these diseases begin with flu-like symptoms that rapidly progress. There are no known medicines for them, only treatment of individual symptoms. Malaria is characterized by bursting of red blood cells which gives the patient very bad shaking chills. Many of these diseases can result in severe anemia, kidney or liver failure ultimately resulting in death.
Signs of a mosquito infestation
Do developed countries like America have mosquitoes? Definitely! Loads of them. In fact; every summer, the CDC or the Center of Disease Control publishes a report of the most infected areas in the country to help travelers prepare for their visit. Mosquitoes are very common in developing countries as well as thick forest areas, or areas with water bodies, stagnant pools and ponds etc. In general, mosquitoes prefer warm humid climate and seek water bodies for reproduction. Here are signs of mosquito infestation at home:
- Mosquitoes flap their wings at 600 vibrations per second. This produces an annoying buzz which just might wake you up at night.
- You might see them buzzing around your picnic table, especially after sunset.
- Mosquitoes are most likely present around you on summer evenings, around your barbecue or campfires. They love to trouble you on your hikes, camping trips and treks.
- People aren’t always allergic to their bites but those who are usually wake up scratching or with numerous raised bumps, welts or blisters on their bodies.
Why you may have a mosquito problem
- Unclean bathrooms, sinks, shower stalls and tubs become breeding grounds for mosquitoes thanks to stagnant water left standing for weeks.
- Accumulation of rain water in old tires, buckets, planters, birdbaths, toys, bins, trash cans, flower pot saucers etc encourages their growth.
How to get rid of mosquitoes
You can follow these steps to get rid of mosquitoes and learn how to take the necessary precautions to avoid getting bitten.
Step 1 – Take steps to prevent mosquito bites
Step 2 – Get informed
Step 3 – Remove standing water sources inside and around the house
Step 4 – Spray insecticides outdoors
Step 5 – Install screens on windows and doors
Step 6 – Spray an indoor insecticide
Step 7 – Use indoor foggers
Step 8 – Clean up the community
Step 9 – Take anti-malaria medication if you plan to travel to mosquito infested areas
Mosquito prevention
Not all mosquitoes are the same and different species spread different viruses and even bite at different times of the day. Therefore, it is very important to prevent mosquitoes throughout the day to protect you and your family.
Step 1 – Use a repellent
Step 2 – Protect infants from mosquitoes
Step 3 – Treat your clothing and gear
Step 4 – Mosquito proof your home
Mosquitoes can easily enter into our homes through open doors and windows and there is little we can do to avoid this completely. However, we can take several precautions such as installing window and door screens and using mosquito nets over the beds. Cleanliness and hygiene also plays an important role in mosquito prevention. Once a week, scrub buckets, water tanks, bathroom tiles, tubs, kitchen sinks etc. Also empty water collected under planters, in flower pots, birdbaths etc. Minimize rain water accumulation in yards by minimizing clutter.
Mosquitoes want one thing from you and that is your blood. They also may leave something behind, such as itchy bumps or worse, a virus. Use nets, sprays, screen doors, insect repellents and other deterrents where you have a mosquito problem. Good luck, I hope this guide helps you get rid of mosquitoes quickly.