Mosquitoes
(Culicidae family)
Blood-feeding flying insects that breed in standing water and transmit diseases like West Nile virus.
Overview
Mosquitoes are one of the most significant pest and public health concerns in Bowling Green. Only female mosquitoes bite — they need blood to develop their eggs. Mosquitoes are not just itchy nuisances; they are vectors for serious diseases including West Nile virus, Zika virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and heartworm in pets. Kentucky's warm, humid summers and abundant standing water sources create ideal breeding conditions. A single mosquito can lay hundreds of eggs, and some species can complete their lifecycle in as little as 7 days.
Appearance
Mosquitoes are small, slender flying insects about 1/4 to 3/8 inch long with long, thin legs and a single pair of scaled wings. They have a distinctive long, needle-like proboscis used for feeding. Common species in Kentucky include the Culex mosquito (gray-brown, breeds in stagnant water), the Asian tiger mosquito (black with white stripes, aggressive daytime biter), and the Aedes mosquito (brown with white markings).
Habitat
Mosquitoes breed in any standing water — as little as a bottle cap full is sufficient. Common breeding sites include clogged gutters, bird baths, old tires, flower pot saucers, pool covers, tree holes, and drainage ditches. Adults rest in tall grass, shrubs, and shaded areas during the day. Different species are active at different times — some bite primarily at dawn and dusk, while others (like the Asian tiger mosquito) bite aggressively during the day.
Diet
Both male and female mosquitoes feed on plant nectar for energy. Only females bite, requiring blood protein to develop their eggs. They locate hosts by detecting carbon dioxide, body heat, body odor, and moisture. After feeding, they rest in sheltered areas to digest the blood meal before laying eggs.
Lifecycle
Females lay 100 to 300 eggs at a time on or near standing water. Larvae (wigglers) develop in water through four instars. Pupae (tumblers) are also aquatic. The entire egg-to-adult cycle can take as little as 7 to 10 days in warm weather. Adults live 2 to 4 weeks (females) or about 1 week (males). Multiple generations occur throughout the warm season.
Signs of Infestation
- !Persistent mosquito bites, especially during dawn, dusk, or when outdoors in shaded areas
- !Mosquito larvae (wigglers) visible in standing water containers
- !High mosquito activity in yards with dense vegetation, shade, or standing water
- !Buzzing sounds near the ears, particularly indoors at night
Prevention Tips
- ✓Eliminate all standing water on the property — empty saucers, old tires, buckets, and children's toys weekly
- ✓Clean gutters regularly to prevent water pooling
- ✓Change bird bath water at least twice per week
- ✓Ensure rain barrels have tight-fitting screens
- ✓Keep pools properly chlorinated and covers free of standing water
- ✓Trim tall grass and vegetation to reduce adult resting areas
Professional Treatment
Professional mosquito control includes monthly barrier treatments applied to vegetation, fences, and shaded areas where adult mosquitoes rest. Larvicide treatments are applied to standing water that cannot be eliminated (like drainage ditches and storm drains). Mosquito bait stations provide ongoing population reduction. A comprehensive program running from March through October provides the best results for Bowling Green homeowners.
Did You Know?
- •Only female mosquitoes bite — males feed exclusively on plant nectar.
- •Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on Earth, responsible for more human deaths than any other creature.
- •They can detect carbon dioxide from a human breath up to 150 feet away.
- •The Asian tiger mosquito, one of the most aggressive species, was introduced to the US in used tires from Japan.
1/4 to 3/8 inch
Gray to dark brown with white markings (varies by species)
6
Slender body with long legs, proboscis, and scaled wings
Skeeters
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