Mosquitoes Found in Florida
Florida is the home to 88 different mosquito species with only 33 of them being identified as pests. These pest mosquitoes are found in all parts of the state. Mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases to humans and animals. Thirteen of the thirty-three species are known to transmit disease.
All of Florida’s species of Mosquitoes are similar in their preferences such as blood meals, flying times, ideal temperatures, egg laying, and mating. A research lab in Vero Beach, Florida, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, has developed a database with details entailing each species.
Mosquito Egg Laying
Mosquitoes have different habits from each other however they are not too different. People automatically associate standing water with a mosquito breeding ground. The fact is that mosquitoes do not necessarily need “still” water. Mosquito eggs just need water in order to hatch. Few mosquito species found in Florida will lay their eggs in mud along water banks. The eggs of these mosquitoes must dry out before hatching. They are called “flood water” mosquitoes. The soil must be moist enough to provide sufficient water to the egg prior to the dry out period. Flood water mosquitoes can lay 200 eggs at one time. Once the female flood water mosquito lays her eggs in moist soil they survive through the dry periods. Usually, the eggs are dormant in winter and spring until the rain begins to bring the water to the eggs. Once the water reaches the eggs it is a signal for them to hatch.
The mosquitoes that do not fall into the flood water category are considered permanent water mosquitoes. These mosquitoes require water throughout the entire time the eggs are un-hatched. They cannot survive being dried out. Once they hatch, the larvae continue to live an aquatic life. These newly hatched permanent water mosquito larva eventually turn into pupa remaining in the water until it reaches adulthood and become hungry for blood.
Truth About Mosquito Bites
Very few people know that only female mosquitoes drink blood from humans and animals. They use their blood meals as a special protein to develop her eggs.
If a female mosquito were to bite an infected animal with specific transmittable diseases, it is possible for her to then bite another host perhaps human and transmit that disease to the person.
West Nile Virus Commonly Transmitted from Mosquito to Host
Florida residents each year are advised to take precautionary actions to prevent mosquito bites. The reason is to avoid the possibilities of being bitten by a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus is known to lead to severe encephalitis which is inflammation of the brain. West Nile Virus and other viruses are why pest control is so important for mosquitoes.
Where to Turn For Mosquito Pest Control
Reynolds Pest Management, Inc. is certified to perform mosquito control for residential homes and commercial buildings. We have nearly 20 years of expertise in mosquito control and can prevent them from your territory.