Mosquitoes in North Carolina
Common house mosquitoes are a prevalent pest in many households across the US. These mosquitoes are well-known for their annoying bites and potential to transmit diseases. Found globally, they thrive in temperate regions and are also known as northern house mosquitoes. Mosquitoes threaten human health and existence more than any other animal. They are an annoyance because of the itchy bites they leave, however, they also transmit many dangerous diseases, like malaria, West Nile, and Zika Virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito bites result in the deaths of more than 1 million people every year, with the majority of these deaths due to malaria.
There are about 200 different species of mosquitoes found throughout the United States, with habitats ranging from deserts at or below sea level to mountain meadows at elevations of 10,000 feet or higher. Our mosquito identification page lists some of the most common species found in NC.
Common House Mosquito identification
What Do Common House Mosquitoes Look Like?
Mosquitoes are small, flying insects typically measuring 3 to 6 millimeters in length. They have slender bodies and long legs, with narrow, elongated wings. Their bodies are divided into three parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. The head features prominent compound eyes and long, feathery antennae, while the mouthparts, or proboscis, are adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood.
Signs of a Common House Mosquito Infestation
Signs of an infestation include frequent sightings of mosquitoes indoors, particularly in the evening or early morning. You may also notice buzzing sounds around your ears or find itchy, red bites on your skin. Additionally, standing water around your home, such as in bird baths, clogged gutters, or puddles, can be breeding grounds for these pests.
Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Bites
Where Do Common House Mosquitoes Live?
Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water, so they are commonly found around ponds, marshes and lakes. However, needing only a half-inch of standing water to breed, mosquitoes are often found around homes, in kiddie pools, metal buckets, flower pots, and any object that collects rainwater or excess water from irrigation systems, such as drains and gutters. This underscores the importance of homeowners regularly checking their property for containers that could be collecting water, providing a safe harbor for mosquito populations to breed and grow. Indoors, they are often found in dark, humid places like basements, bathrooms, and under sinks.
Diet
Common House Mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant juices, but female mosquitoes require blood to develop their eggs. They typically seek out mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians to satisfy this need and are drawn by body heat, carbon dioxide, and body odors. Males, on the other hand, do not bite and subsist solely on nectar.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of common house mosquitoes consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female mosquitoes lay eggs on the surface of stagnant water. The eggs hatch into larvae within 48 hours. Larvae, also known as wrigglers, feed on organic matter in the water. They then develop into pupae, which do not feed and are in a resting stage. After a few days, adult mosquitoes emerge from the pupae and are ready to begin the cycle anew. The entire process from egg to adult can take as little as 10 days.
Bites
Common House Mosquito bites result from female mosquitoes piercing the skin to draw blood. The saliva they inject prevents blood clotting, leading to irritation and swelling. Common reactions include red, itchy welts. Some individuals may experience more severe allergic reactions. Most mosquito species require a blood meal before they can reproduce a batch of eggs. Many people and animals are bitten by mosquitoes with no side effects except the typical itchy welt. And, while a large number of mosquito bites can reduce the quality of life, the diseases these insects can transmit can be serious. Most people infected with mosquito-transmitted viruses show no symptoms or only mild, flu-like symptoms that may not result in a visit to the doctor. However, severe symptoms following infection occur in a small percentage of people. Mosquitoes are also responsible for transmitting heartworm in dogs.
Are Common House Mosquitoes Dangerous?
Yes, mosquitoes can be dangerous because they are vectors for numerous diseases. They can transmit viruses and parasites through their bites, including West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, Dengue Fever, and Malaria.
These diseases pose significant health risks, emphasizing the importance of contacting a professional mosquito exterminator for exclusion and control services to protect your North Carolina property. While not all mosquitoes are infected, the risk of disease transmission makes it important to control their populations and avoid bites whenever possible.
How to Get Rid of Common House Mosquitoes?
Effective mosquito control involves a combination of methods to address both the larvae and adult populations. One of the primary steps is to eliminate breeding sites. This involves removing standing water by regularly emptying containers, unclogging gutters, and ensuring proper drainage around your property. Where standing water cannot be eliminated, applying larvicidal treatments can effectively kill mosquito larvae before they mature into adults.
Installing window and door screens is essential to keeping mosquitoes out of indoor spaces. Additionally, using EPA-approved insecticides can help reduce the number of adult mosquitoes. For comprehensive and sustained mosquito management solutions, our professional mosquito exterminators can help!
Need help with Common House Mosquitoes control?
Common House Mosquito Prevention Tips
Take a look at our tips to help keep this nuisance pest away:
- Maintain Cleanliness – Regularly clean and empty outdoor containers that can collect water.
- Landscaping – Keep lawns trimmed and remove excessive vegetation where mosquitoes can hide.
- Water Treatment – Add larvicides to water features like ponds and fountains.
- Protective Clothing – Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Repellents – Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Outdoor Fans – Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so using fans on patios and decks can help keep them at bay.
For expert mosquito control solutions, contact your local Bug Out experts today!
