Mosquito Questions and Answers

1. Are all mosquitoes the same?

No! There are approximately 18 species of mosquitoes common to the California Sierra and Foothills. Each species require specific elevations, temperatures and water sources. Some mosquito species prefer higher elevations and breed in seasonal snow melt bodies of water. Others breed in the holes of oak and similar trees, or standing water in open pastures and fields. The one common factor of ALL mosquitoes is that they all need water to breed.

2. Do all mosquitoes bite?

No! Actually only the females will bite a human, bird or animal. The females need a "blood meal" to provide protein for their eggs. The males only feed on nectar and other sugar objects. The males can be identified by their long hairy like antennae that can be seen by the naked eye.

3. Do all mosquitoes transmit West Nile Virus?

No! While all female mosquitoes will bite a human or animal, only a small portion will transmit West Nile and other viruses. The Culex species is the most common mosquito to carry West Nile virus. Although the Culex mosquitos can live as high as 10,000 feet in elevation, they mostly inhabit the lower, warmer elevations and are most active in the evenings and early mornings.

4. Why do mosquitoes need water?

Mosquitoes need water to begin their life cycle. They spend half of their life in water!

The female mosquitoes lay their eggs in groups called "egg rafts" on top of the water. The eggs hatch out into "larvae," sometimes called "wigglers" due to their wriggling motion like movement in the water. They breathe through a "siphon" tube which sticks out at the water surface. Each larva undergoes 4 stages of metamorphosis (growing out of their skin) before becoming a "pupa." The pupa does not feed, and is sometimes referred to as a "tumbler" due to its unique tumbling action along the water surface. The pupae ultimately hatch out into adult mosquitoes.

One mosquito can lay up to four egg rafts in a life time with 150-300 eggs per egg raft. Other species lay eggs on the damp soil waiting for irrigation or flood water. These eggs have been known to remain viable for up to 50 years.

In warm weather they can complete a full metamorphosis in 3-10 days.

This is why it is important to drain ANY and All still and standing water in and around your yard!