Mosquito

Identification Life Cycle Prevention Health Protection

Mosquitoes are part of aquatic and terrestrial food webs, but some species transmit disease. The most effective household control is simple: remove standing water every week and prevent bites.

Eggs • Larva • Pupa • Adult female

AI-generated scientific reference plate. Appearance varies among species.

At a Glance

Animal group	Insect; order Diptera; family Culicidae
Range	Worldwide except permanently frozen regions
Life cycle	Egg → larva → pupa → adult
Water requirement	Eggs and immature stages develop in water
Feeding	Adults use plant sugars; females of many species also take blood meals to produce eggs
Indiana concern	Primarily nuisance biting; West Nile virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease concern
Best control	Tip, toss, drain, or cover water-holding containers every week

How to Recognize Mosquitoes

Adults are slender flies with long legs, one pair of wings, and a projecting proboscis. Their wings usually bear scales.

Larvae are active, wriggling aquatic forms. Many hang from the surface to breathe; some lie parallel to it.

Pupae are comma-shaped, aquatic, and mobile. They do not feed.

Mosquitoes differ from harmless midges and crane flies. Do not identify a disease risk from appearance alone.

Life Cycle

1 Eggs Laid on water, on moist surfaces likely to flood, or in rafts on the water surface, depending on species.

2 Larvae Live in water and feed on microorganisms and organic matter. They molt several times.

3 Pupae Remain in water while the adult develops. The adult then emerges at the surface.

4 Adults Males and females feed on plant sugars. Females of many species need a blood meal before producing eggs.

Where They Breed Around Homes

Buckets, toys, tarps, wheelbarrows, clogged gutters, and plant saucers

Birdbaths, pet bowls, rain barrels, and neglected pools

Discarded tires, cans, bottles, and any small depression that holds water

Tree holes, low spots, storm drains, and other natural or built water pockets

Weekly Yard Check

Once each week, empty and scrub containers; eggs can cling above the waterline.

Turn over, cover, store indoors, or discard items that collect rainwater.

Keep gutters flowing and pools maintained. Cover rain barrels with intact fine mesh.

Change birdbath water at least weekly. Refresh pet water frequently.

For water that cannot be drained, use only a pesticide labeled for mosquito larvae and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.

Prevent Bites

Use an EPA-registered repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD, or 2-undecanone. Follow the product label.

Wear loose long sleeves, long pants, socks, and shoes when mosquitoes are active.

Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or buy pretreated gear. Never apply permethrin directly to skin.

Repair window and door screens. Use air conditioning when practical.

Protect infants with clothing and mosquito netting. Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months; do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD on children younger than 3 years.

Health Concerns in Indiana

West Nile virus is the principal mosquito-borne disease reported in Indiana. Other infections can occur but are less common. Most mosquito bites cause only temporary itching and swelling; infection risk depends on mosquito species, place, season, and current disease activity.

After a Bite

Routine care: Wash the area. Use a cold pack for swelling and avoid scratching.

Medical advice: Seek medical advice for fever, severe headache, confusion, weakness, stiff neck, unusual rash, or worsening symptoms after mosquito exposure.

Emergency: Call emergency services for trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, fainting, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Use Pesticides Carefully

Source reduction comes first. Adult mosquito sprays provide temporary relief and can affect other insects if misused. Use the least amount needed, apply only where and when the label permits, avoid flowering plants when pollinators are active, and never improvise concentrations or application methods.

Ecological Role

Mosquito larvae recycle organic matter and are eaten by aquatic predators. Adults provide food for spiders, dragonflies, fish, birds, bats, and other animals. Control should target breeding sites and biting risk, not indiscriminate destruction of habitat.

Authoritative Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Mosquitoes About and Prevention — https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/

Indiana Department of Health: Mosquito Borne Diseases — https://www.in.gov/health/idepd/zoonotic-and-vectorborne-epidemiology-entomology/vector-borne/mosquito-borne-diseases/

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Find the Repellent That Is Right for You — https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you

Purdue Extension Entomology: Public health and household insect resources — https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/