Adults of many mosquito species have an important role in the pollination of several plants. However, mosquitoes also serve as vectors in the transmission of disease pathogens between animals. These pathogens pose a significant risk to the health of both humans and domesticated animals in North Carolina. The Public Health Pest Management Section is charged with providing technical assistance in the development and implementation of local mosquito control programs . The first step in any control program is to learn about the vector species.
Mosquitoes have a four-stage life cycle and water is necessary for the larvae to develop.
The female mosquito usually needs to feed on blood in order to obtain the necessary protein for eggs to develop. Depending on the species, the female only bites one specific species, such as birds, or she may be able to feed off of many types of animals, including man. Because mosquitoes lay large numbers of eggs, unusually wet weather can cause a rapid surge in the mosquito population. Control of mosquito populations is necessary to reduce the risk of disease as well as reduce the stress their numbers can cause to both humans and domesticated animals. Humans are at risk, particularly when mosquito populations increase.