Mosquitoes

Mosquito Facts

  • There are over 3,000 mosquito species worldwide. Sixty (60) of these species are in North Carolina.
  • Across North Carolina, our most common mosquito species is the Asian tiger mosquito (ATM), Aedes albopictus. This is a species that feeds during the daytime when we’re out working and/or playing (but it will feed “dawn to dusk”).
  • Supporting native predators of mosquitoes like birds, bats,and aquatic insect and fish species can help control adult populations.
  • Mosquitoes have no concept of property lines. Even though species such as the Asian tiger mosquito typically fly just short distances (usually less than 100 yards), the object of the female’s attention is a blood meal whether it’s in your neighbor’s yard or your yard. Mosquito management does work BUT it requires a concerted community effort to be truly effective.
  • Male mosquitoes do not bite; they feed strictly on plant nectar.
  • Mosquitoes cannot complete their life cycle to become biting adult mosquitoes if: 
    • Water is flowing, like in a stream, river, or fountain
    • Predators like fish, frogs, salamanders, dragonflies, and aquatic insects prey on the mosquitoes
    • Water drains within a week.  

Mosquito Life Cycle

mosquito lifecycle graphic: Egg to Larva to Pupa to Adult

How to Reduce Mosquitoes on Your Property

The best way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate the places they breed. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant, standing water. As little as a teaspoon or bottle cap of water standing for more than a week is enough for eggs to develop into adult mosquitoes! By preventing standing water you can eliminating breeding places and help reduce mosquito populations. Doing a quick weekly yard walk through helps to identify and correct standing water in your yard. 

  • Clean out roof gutters and down-spouts screens.
  • Flush birdbaths and saucers under potted plants at least once a week.
  • Turn over children’s wading pools, buckets, wheelbarrows, canoes, and garbage can lids so they don’t hold water.
  • Drain water trapped in folds and arrange tarps so water runs off.
  • Fix dripping outdoor water faucets.
  • Get rid of puddles from air conditioners.
  • Dispose of trash such as plastic bags, bottles caps, open drink cans/bottles, styrofoam cups, or food wrappers.
  • Throw away used tires. If you have a tire swing, drill holes in bottom of the tire so water can drain.
  • Check recycle and trash bins if left out in the rain and dump our water.
  • Drain water that collects on swimming pool covers.
  • Add an aerator or fountain to your birdbath or ornamental pond.
  • Keep rain barrels  tightly closed, use debris screens to filter the water entering the barrel, and use the collected water within a week.

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