Mosquito fast facts
Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn
Over 50 species of mosquitoes live in BC, 2 of which (Culex pipiens and Culex tarsalis) will likely be the most important carriers for West Nile Virus
In areas known to have West Nile virus, up to 1 in 100 mosquitoes (depending on the species) carries the Virus
Repellents containing DEET or other approved repellents can help prevent mosquito bites
Mosquitoes have four distinct life stages
Only female mosquitoes bite
Mosquitoes can lay eggs in a very small amount of standing water
Mosquito Life Cycle
The mosquito lifecycle has four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Each stage has its own unique needs and functions. Three of the four life stages take place in water. A mosquito can mature from egg to adult in as little as a week, which is why getting rid of stagnant water around your home is important.
Egg stage : Females lay their eggs in water, and most will hatch within 48 hours. Each female can lay up to 300 eggs.
Larval stage : These are commonly referred to as wrigglers. Wrigglers usually can be found hanging upside down near the surface of the water. Larvae spend most of their time and energy feeding on microorganisms and growing. After a series of molts they become pupae. Most mosquito control efforts focus on this stage.
Pupa stage : This life stage also lives in water but does not feed as in the larval stage. Often referred to as tumblers, they have two breathing tubes on their back, float near the surface and tumble through the water when they sense danger. The pupae spend their energy in metamorphosis, eventually emerging as adult mosquitoes.
Adult : As adults, mosquitoes get around by flying or being carried on strong winds such as storm fronts. Adult mosquitoes have a range of 1-5 kilometres from their breeding site. Both males and females feed on plant nectar until it is time to produce eggs. At this time the female needs a blood meal to supply protein to the eggs, drawing blood for each batch she produces. Certain factors affect biting: carbon dioxide, temperature, moisture, smell, colour and movement. Most biting occurs between dusk and dawn.
