At inland areas, many important pest mosquitoes develop in rainpools formed by summer thunderstorms. Permanent swamps are an important source for mosquitoes throughout the state. Many of the mosquitoes that cause annoyance must be eliminated by authorized county mosquito control agencies because of restrictions regarding work conducted in wetland habitats. Several important pest mosquitoes, however, breed around the home, and homeowners can substantially reduce mosquito nuisance caused by these species. This fact sheet describes the habits of the most common mosquito pests that breed around the home and suggests methods to keep your property mosquito-free.
All mosquitoes develop from eggs deposited by females that have previously fed on blood.
The female mosquito is very specific about where she lays her eggs and searches diligently for water that will be suitable for her offspring. Most of the mosquitoes that breed around the home require stagnant water rich in decomposing organic material. Having located a suitable water source, the female mosquito deposits the 100-200 eggs that will produce the next generation. Mosquitoes are aquatic in their immature stages and, without exception, require water to complete their development. Mosquitoes do not breed in tall grass as many people have been led to believe.