Learn More About Mosquitoes
Mosquito
They are one of the most dangerous insects in the world. In fact, it is estimated to cause 700,000 deaths in just one year. In addition to that, they are hazardous because Mosquitoes can carry viruses and other parasites. This allows Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, Malaria, Chikungunya, West Nile Virus and Zika to spread.
Unfortunately, controlling these diseases are harder due to the world population growth, urbanisation and frequent travellers. Hot, humid environments are most amenable to their growth and survival. Thus, infestations can occur easily in tropical areas. However, they are also capable of thriving in a variety of locations and can successfully grow in numbers even when not in their natural habitat.
Most of these species use containers of water as egg-deposit sites.
Lifecycle, Diet & All
Mosquito Characteristic
The Mosquito Lifecycle
They go through 4 stages before becoming an Adult Mosquito: Eggs, Larvae, Pupa and finally, an Adult. Most females lay their eggs in the water. Nevertheless, the eggs can still survive without water for a long period of time. Larvae and pupa, on the other hand, cannot survive without water.
Eggs to larvae
It takes about 12-24 hours for the egg to hatch, depending on the condition. For example, under optimal condition, an Aedes Mosquito can take less than 1 day to hatch.
Larvae to Pupa
This takes about 7 days because the larvae will go thru a molting period. This period is divided into 4 stages, specifically: First In-Star, Second In-Star, Third In-Star and Fourth In-Star. An expert can determine how long the breeding has taken place by identifying the stages of the larvae.
Pupa to Adult
Within 2-3 days, an emerging adult will start to form. Its body will start to harden and it is able to start flying afterwards.
Adult lifespan
Males have a very short lifespan. They only live for up to 10 days or less, which means it takes them longer to form than the time they stay alive. On the contrary, females can live up to 6-8 weeks. Additionally, they will lay eggs about every 3 days.
The Mosquito Anatomy
Mosquitoes are small, two-winged flies. The Female has long, slender proboscis and uses a tubular feeding organ adapted for piercing skin as well as sucking blood.
Meanwhile, males use their proboscises only for sucking plant juices and other sources of sugar. Only the Female Mosquitoes bite human for its blood. They need the blood for its protein and iron to produce eggs.
Size-wise, an adult is just about 3mm to 6mm. Usually grey in colour and scales either in white, silver, green or blue depending on the type of species. Although not very visible, they also have an antennae that is hairy.
The Mosquito Dietary
Similar to butterflies and bees, Mosquitoes also like sweets in order to survive, they feed on nectar, plant sap or honey dew. Both genders typically have the same diet but only the Female needs a blood meal. The Male Mosquito do not feed on human blood.
Specific species like the Tiger Mosquito, prefer to feed on human blood and however, they will also bite mammals, bird or reptiles.
During the larvae stage, they will eat microorganisms like algae and bacteria that are in the water. This will help in their developmental process and they do not need to eat anything when they are in the pupal stage.
Learn More About Mosquito
Mosquito Bites
Not all species transmit diseases. In fact, some can only transmit disease if it has fed the blood of an infected person or host. Again, only female will bite a human or any host. It will use it’s sharp tip proboscis (straw-like mouth) to pierce through a human or host skin.
From there it will then be able to locate the blood vessel and release saliva into the bite. This allows them to keep drawing the blood accordingly.
Your body’s immune system is able to detect their saliva and produce histamine to fight it. Later on, the histamine will cause your blood vessel to react, resulting to the bump’s appearance.
Everyone has different reactions to Mosquito bites. Some will develop a puffy and reddish bump. Some others can develop a hard, reddish-brown swell. In some cases, the host develops a bruise like swelling from the bites.
Mosquito bites itch and can lead you to start scratching the bump thus, causing skin irritation.
What You Can Do
- Wash the bump and apply calamine lotion
- Use a cold and wet towel over the bump as this will help with the itch and swelling
Some Of The More Serious Reactions
- Blister
- A large part of the bite area is itching
- Bruises
- Hive around the bite
The bump can be visible up to a few days. However, should you develop any of these symptoms below, please seek medical attention immediately.
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Fatigue and severe headache
- Fatigue
Learn to know when you need mosquito control
Signs of Mosquito Infestation
A Mosquito bite can be itchy and lead to an allergic reaction. Moreover, their buzzing sound can also be disturbing. But since they are small, it can be hard to tell whether they have infested your property or not. Fortunately, there are some indications to look out for if they have started invading.
Avoid Mosquito Affected Areas
- Ponds
- Marshes
- Swamps
- Other wetland habitats
Common Mosquito Breeding Spots
- Tin cans
- Pots
- Plants stem
- Discarded tires
Mosquito Larvae
If you have stagnant standing water in your property, it can attract Female. If you see eggs present, it is an indication that they have started breeding in your area.
Mosquito Bites
Since Female Mosquitoes require blood in order to reproduce, there is a high chance of you getting bitten if they are present. If you notice that the bites are getting more constant, it means that there is a high chance of infestation.
Mosquitoes Found in Singapore
Types of Mosquitoes
There are about 3000 to 3500 Mosquito species in the world. In the United States, it is believed to have about 176 species.
Mosquitoes in Singapore also pose a threat. As a matter of fact, in 2020, the National Environment Agency reported at least 26,000 dengue cases.
This type of species has black and white marking on the legs and body.
Preventing Mosquito bites from the Culex species, it is best to wear long sleeves and long pants as they are popular for transmitting dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and zika. Aedes Aegypti Mosquito population is mostly active during the day from 7 to 9 in the morning and 4 to 7 in the evening.
The Anopheles Mosquito has black to dark brown appearance. Moreover, they are known for transmitting malaria and feed in the early hours of the morning as well as between 5 to 10 in the evening.
Meanwhile, Culex Mosquito (Culex Pipiens) are brown to dark brown in appearance. They are known for carrying West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis. These Mosquitoes are most active time is between midnight to 5 in the morning.
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