Mosquito

Category:

Actual Size:  ⅛” to ⅜”

Characteristics: Gray to black; some having white, green or blue markings.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes

Habitat: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant, standing water sources such as ponds, rain gutters, storm drains, old tires, children’s wading pools, and birdbaths.

Habits:

  • The life span of a mosquito is said to be less than 2 months
  • Mosquitoes can bite humans as well as animals
  • Mosquitoes aren’t the strongest fliers, but nonetheless can fly several miles in a single night

Mosquitoes in Albuquerque NM

Mosquitoes pose a greater threat to human health and existence than any other animal. They are known for their bites, which leave most people with red, itchy bites. There are more than 200 species of mosquitoes in the United States, and they inhabit a wide array of environments from high deserts to mountain ranges. Only certain mosquito species are capable of transmitting dangerous diseases. Some of the diseases spread by mosquitoes include West Nile, Zika, and, of course, malaria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito bites result in the deaths of more than 1 million people every year, with the majority of these deaths due to malaria.

Mosquito Habitat

Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water, and thus commonly found around marshes and lakes. However, they can breed and live in any area that provides as much as half an inch of standing water. For this reason, it’s common to see them in residential yards here in Albuquerque. They are often found in kiddie pools, metal buckets, flower pots, and any object that collects rainwater or excess water from irrigation systems. This underscores the importance of homeowners regularly checking their property for containers that could be collecting water. In doing so, you can avoid mosquitoes.

Mosquito Behaviors, Threats, & Dangers

Most mosquito species require a blood meal before they can reproduce a batch of eggs. Many people and animals are bitten by mosquitoes with no side effects except the typical itchy welt. When they bite dogs, they have been known to transmit heartworm. When certain mosquitoes bite, they can transmit diseases. Most people infected with mosquito-transmitted viruses show no symptoms or only mild, flu-like symptoms that may not result in a visit to the doctor. However, severe symptoms following infection occur in a small percentage of people.

When it comes to mosquitoes, it’s important to enlist the help of a mosquito exterminator.