Where Do Mosquitoes Lay Their Eggs?

Where Do Mosquitoes Lay Their Eggs?

With over 3,000 types of mosquitoes in the world and 170 of those species residing in North America, most people across the nation are familiar with mosquitoes (family Culicidae). Understanding mosquito behavior is key to preventing these persistent bloodsuckers from making an unwanted appearance near your home. If you’re noticing mosquitoes on your property, it’s important to identify where they lay their eggs so you can take proactive measures.

HOW DO MOSQUITOES REPRODUCE?

The average mosquito has a very short lifespan. Male mosquitoes only live for about one week while female mosquitoes can live for up to 100 days. 

With such a short lifespan, reproduction becomes critical. Male mosquitoes begin mating within the first few days of becoming an adult, and females are ready to mate even earlier—as soon as they leave the pupal casing and enter the adult stage. 

Depending on the species, some male mosquitoes use carbon dioxide cues to identify and intercept a female mosquito as she is seeking a blood meal. Some species create a swarm of flying male mosquitoes. The female mosquitoes will then fly into the swarm and are identified by the males based on their wing frequency. 

The actual mating process is very quick and often happens mid-air. The male mosquito uses the clasper, a pincer-like structure on their abdomen, to grab hold of and inseminate the female mosquito.

MOSQUITO MATING: Male mosquitoes will mate until they die, but female mosquitoes typically mate just once. A male mosquito’s seminal fluid consists of chemicals that produce physiological effects on the female mosquito, sending the message to lay eggs or seek out larger blood meals. The female mosquito will store this seminal fluid for the rest of her life and use it to fertilize eggs over time. 

THE LIFE CYCLE OF A MOSQUITO

Understanding the life cycle of a mosquito can help you prevent them from invading your home. It takes a mosquito approximately 8–10 days to fully reach adulthood, and this process occurs in four stages:

  • EGG: A female Culex mosquito lays eggs directly on or in a water source. Averaging anywhere from 100 to 300 eggs, the nest of eggs clumps together in the shape of a raft and sticks to hard surfaces, increasing the chances of the future mosquitoes’ survival.

  • LARVA: Larvae hatch from mosquito eggs and live in the water, feeding on microorganisms. Once the larvae molt three times, they then turn into pupae. 
  • PUPA: Mosquito pupae, otherwise known as “tumblers,” live in the water for 1–4 days. Lacking external mouthparts, the pupae use two breathing tubes called “trumpets” to take in oxygen. When this stage of the maturation process is complete, a fully formed adult mosquito emerges from its pupal skin and flies away.
  • ADULT: Once the adult mosquito emerges, it spends a few days resting and drying its wings. Male mosquitoes feed on the nectar from flowers while female mosquitoes feed on human or animal blood. Female mosquitoes need the protein they get from blood in order to develop their eggs.

 

CAN MOSQUITOES LAY EGGS WITHOUT WATER?

Mosquitoes do not need large amounts of water to lay their eggs. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as half an inch of standing water. That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect your property for standing water that may become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

HOW DO YOU FIND A MOSQUITO NEST?

Mosquitoes do not build “nests” in the traditional sense of the word. Rather than using natural materials to construct a nest like bees or wasps, mosquitoes lay their eggs in water; these eggs stick together to form a raft or “nest.” Common areas you may find mosquito nests include:

  • Standing water. Ponds, swimming pools, garden water features, flooded tires, or clogged gutters are common areas where mosquitoes can thrive. 
  • Shady areas. Mosquitoes need to protect their eggs and young larvae from the sun, so piles of leaves, tall grass, or flower beds can offer suitable protection. Since mosquitoes need stagnant water to build nests, shady areas often offer water sources that won’t be evaporated by the sun. 

Close to food sources. In addition to being near a source of water, mosquito nests also need to be close to sources of food: flower nectar for males and human or animal hosts for females. If you own any pets, don’t forget to check your doghouse, barn, or common areas where your animals spend their time. If a potential blood meal is nearby, the likelihood of mosquitoes laying eggs in the vicinity increases.

GET HELP WITH MOSQUITOES

Mosquitoes are a type of visitor you don’t want hanging around your home. In addition to causing itchy bites, they can also spread disease.

For help getting rid of mosquitoes, our friendly experts offer pet- and family-friendly treatments to eliminate active infestations and prevent new ones from starting. Give Joshua’s Pest Control a call today for a free quote.

SOURCES

AUTHOR BIO

Courtney Enzor has worked in the pest control industry for about a decade. From helping you build a fly trap to giving you the best tips for identifying various bugs, she loves answering all your pest-related questions and sharing her pest-related expertise through writing. At the end of the day, she hopes her content will help people avoid mishaps and keep families happy and healthy!

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