Skip to Main Content

Mosquitoes

Culicidae

  • SIZE

    3/16in to 3/8in long

  • COLOR

  • BITE OR STING

    Yes

  • WINGS

    Yes

Top-view illustration of a mosquito.
Side-view illustration of a mosquito.
Close-up of an Aedes aegypti (mosquito) on human skin
Close-up of an Aedes sollicitans (mosquito) on a leaf.
Close-up of an Aedes albopictus (mosquito) on human skin.
Close-up of an Anopheles (mosquito) on human skin.
Close-up of a Culex quinquefasciatus (mosquito) on human skin.

SOLUTIONS FOR MOSQUITOES

prevent.jpg
New

Raid Ant And Roach Killer 26

You've selected maximum number of items to compare

prevent.jpg

CompareTest3

You've selected maximum number of items to compare

General Information

Mosquitoes have been around for at least 46 million years. Beyond being a nuisance, they can also spread disease and leave you and your family with itchy bites. Find out how to help kill mosquitoes and keep these tiny vampires away from you and your loved ones.

  • There are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes1 in the world.

  • Only female mosquitoes have the mouthparts necessary to pierce skin and remove blood. They need this blood to produce and nourish their eggs.

Details

  • Female mosquitoes are attracted to standing water where they can lay their eggs.

  • They’re also attracted to body odor, perspiration, body heat, and the carbon dioxide you expel when you breathe. Since everyone is different, some people seem to be more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Find out why.

  • Mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs and can be found near stagnant ponds, lakes, or other backyard pools of water.

  • Some mosquitoes can breed in as little as a teaspoon of standing water2, which is an amount that can easily collect in old tires, cans, trash bins, flower pots, and bird baths.

  • Male mosquitoes only live for about one week, but female mosquitoes typically live for a few weeks.3

  • The average lifespan of a mosquito varies based on the species, as well as the temperature, humidity, and time of year.3

  • Female mosquitoes need blood to produce their offspring. They will bite you or your pets for that blood meal.

  • Remove standing water from around your yard and home.

  • Keep your grass cut short and remove excess weeds around your home where mosquitoes like to rest and hide.

  • Stay indoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

  • Wear pants and long-sleeve shirts when you know mosquitoes are nearby.

  • Find more tips for how to help get rid of mosquitoes.

Related Articles

Related Articles
Illustrations of wasp, mosquito and spider

Find My Bug

Answer a few questions and we'll help identify the bug you're fighting.

Illustrations of ant, cockroach and fly