Mosquitoes

Culicidae

Mosquito

Adult mosquito (Susan Ellis, Bugwood.org)

mosquito on hand

Mosquito feeding on a human (Ary Farajollahi, Bugwood.org)

larvae

Mosquito larvae (Jim Occi, BugPics, Bugwood.org)

Identification

  • delicate biting fly
  • long, needle-like mouthparts
  • immature stages are found in water and resemble small worms

Nesting Habits

  • lay eggs in standing or slow-moving water or moist areas that occasionally flood

Diet

  • blood (females)

Significance

  • some species can transmit West Nile Virus in Utah
  • bites can cause itching

IPM Recommendations

  • Locate and remove all sources of standing water, including clogged gutters/spouts, play equipment, irrigation boxes, poorly drained turf, clogged drains, holes in trees, etc.
  • In areas of standing water that can’t be drained, a product known as “mosquito dunks,” containing a bacteria toxic to mosquito larvae, can be used.
  • Keep screens in good repair to prevent adult mosquitos from entering a building.
  • Avoid outside activity when mosquitos are active (dawn and dusk).
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and a hat.
  • Use repellants such as DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.