Mosquitoes are one of the most common and annoying pests in the world. These flying insects can cause major problems, such as annoying you at dusk or dawn, when you’re trying to sleep, and even making you sick and how can you keep them at bay? Read on to find out!
How Long do Mosquitoes Live?
Mosquitoes typically live for about two weeks. However, depending on the living thing, a mosquito’s lifespan can be much shorter or longer. In temperate climates, mosquitoes typically don’t live more than a few days outside of water. However, in warmer climates mosquitoes can live up to a month without needing to drink.
In the fall and winter, mosquitoes are more likely to die because their habitat dries up. In these seasons, they also tend to feed more often since they’re searching for blood instead of plant nectar.
What is the Lifecycle of a Mosquito?
Mosquitoes undergo four stages during their lifecycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid by the female mosquito in water. They typically hatch in about two days and transform into the larva stage. Mosquitoes in the larva stage feed on organic matter and grow until they reach the adult stage, which takes about two weeks. The adults then mate and lay eggs, starting the cycle all over again.
How Long Do Mosquitoes Live Indoors?
Mosquitoes can live for a number of weeks in dry, warm places indoors. However, most mosquitoes will die within a few days if they are kept in these conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you get rid of any standing water near your home or property. This includes removing pools of rainwater, washing pet dishes and litter out often, and draining any fruit or vegetable boxes that have accumulated water.
How Long Does a Mosquito Live After Biting Someone?
Mosquitoes can live for around two hours after biting someone. They need to be bloodied in order to spread the disease, so they usually bite people who are already infected. After they have sucked the blood, mosquitoes typically find a sheltered area to lay their eggs or resting place.
What are the Different Types of Mosquitoes?
There are several different types of mosquitoes, and all of them can cause you harm. Here are the three main types:
- Anopheles gambiae is the most common type of mosquito and is responsible for malaria.
- Culex quinquefasciatus is the type that causes Dengue fever.
- Aedes aegypti is the type that transmits yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.
How to Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes?
There are many ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes, some of which you may already be using. Here are five ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- Use lotion or sunscreen when outdoors. This will help block the mosquitoes’ natural attraction to your skin and reduce the chances of getting bitten.
- Avoid standing in water that is standing more than halfway up your leg. Mosquitoes like fresh blood, so standing in pools or any water that is just above your ankle will keep them at bay.
- Cover up with clothing that provides protection against mosquitoes, such as long pants and a sleeveless shirt. This will prevent mosquitoes from finding your body heat attractive and allow you to stay comfortable while outdoors even during hot weather conditions.
- Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide) or Picaridin. These chemicals act as repellents against both Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti, two types of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, so using one will help protect you from both bites and illness caused by these pests.
- When outside for an extended period of time—such as going for a morning jog—apply insect repellent according to the product’s directions multiple times throughout the day, including before takeoff and upon arrival home.
Conclusion
Although, there are many studies that claim the life span of a mosquito is between 1 to 2 weeks and some say it could be as long as 4-5 weeks, one thing for sure is that mosquitoes can survive for months. So, putting off your outdoor activities just because of this annoying bug is not a good idea.
You must have learned by now that reducing exposure to pests will help you keep the healthiest surroundings possible. You should also regularly use pesticides in your yard and home to keep mosquitoes away and avoid being bitten. In case you don’t know what to do at all times when you are out and about, then don’t forget your facial mask!…
