Mosquito photo Diptera Mosquito Mosquitoes are insect pests that occur in areas of stagnant water or they migrate from distant breeding areas. Mosquitoes lay eggs in the water where the eggs hatch into larvae, called wrigglers, within a few days. The wrigglers feed on microscopic plant life, molt several times as they grow, and become pupa, or tumblers, that turn into adults. The entire process from egg to adult can be as short as 7 days.
Mosquitoes can breed in any stagnant water, including cans, tire swings, and plugged rain gutters.
The females suck blood from mammals before laying eggs. A localized reaction on the skin to the saliva injected by the female causes small bumps on the skin that can itch. Control is implemented by eliminating standing water and implementing chemical treatment of breeding sites.