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PEST LIBRARY / MOSQUITOES

FACTS AND INFORMATION ABOUT MOSQUITOES

The mosquito (scientific name Culicidae) has a nasty reputation for biting, buzzing and spreading diseases. It is one of the most annoying and despised insects in Ontario (and likely many other places around the world). With over 3,500 species around the world, these pesky insects have an uncanny ability to spoil the outdoors for many.

Adult mosquitos are typically between 3-9 mm in length, with long thin legs, a single set of wings and a very long nose (called a proboscis). Female mosquitoes use their proboscis to bite and draw blood. Tiny scales cover their wings and body. Males are smaller than females, and they have a shorter lifespan.

Mosquitoes tend to make their unwanted appearance between dusk and dawn, which can spoil an evening BBQ, cocktail party, event, and a lazy night by an outdoor fire. They locate their victim through sensing exhaled carbon dioxide, temperature, body odours and even movement. They are inactive on hot sunny days as these conditions cause them to dry out and die. Mosquitoes will be active during the day in shaded areas or on overcast days.

Mosquito bites are dreaded because they itch terribly, and can cause varying allergic reactions in people (irritation, inflammation and swelling). The are also feared because they can spread disease such as West Nile Virus, dengue and malaria, filariasis (also called elephantiasis) and encephalitis. Here in Ontario, mosquitoes are more of an annoyance than a serious health risk.  

Just hearing the high-pitched buzzing (made from their single set of wings) of a mosquito is enough reason to invoke a violent swing from a fly swatter. Humans are not a mosquito's preferred choice for a meal. They would rather dine on cattle, horses and birds. They also feed on nectar from flowers, and other plant sugars. Some mosquito types will cannibalize other mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are a favoured food source for frogs, dragonflies, birds, bats and thousands of other animals.

Only female mosquitoes bite, and they often bite after mating to gain nourishment from the blood for egg generation and development. Depending on the species, some mosquitoes can produce 100+ eggs in a single laying. Females will lay eggs every few days few days for as long as they live, which is ranges from 2 weeks to 6 months. Mosquitoes need water for their eggs to hatch, which is why female commonly lay their eggs in sources of standing water, both natural (like puddles) and man-made (like bird baths).

Learn more about how to get rid of mosquitoes.

If you need mosquito control, contact Environmental Pest Control

Call 1 (800) 263-5055

Our Professional Team is Happy to Help!

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Trevor Dixon
3 weeks ago

I want to thank Sarah! She really did a amazing inspection! I had a issue with mice. Sarah cover the inside and outside taking care of holes/gaps above the front and back doors. attics and garage. And has a very caring attitude towards her clients! I have know about Environmental Pest control for many years as they looked after issues with a school board I worked for.


Margo Dixon
3 months ago

We just had a fall treatment done at our country property. We never hesitate to call this company to protect us from ladybugs, cluster flies and more. You can count on them for punctuality, professionalism and thoroughness. Shout out to Cody who went above and beyond today: on his own accord, he brought our garbage/recycling bins to our garage door from the road and was able to retrieve a helium balloon that had floated up to the top of our cathedral ceiling. We are seniors, so these gestures of kindness were most appreciated. Highly recommend!


Sherrie Lee Hawley
5 months ago

I cannot rate this company high enough. I first talked with Thomas on the phone. He was so polite and patient with this 79 year old lady animal advocate. He talked me through everything and I made my choice of the service I desired. I got an appointment the next day. Craig was right on time and he went through everything again and made sure I understood the whole procedure. I feel I got a very fair price for the work done. Do not hesitate to call Environmental Pest Control if you need help with wasps as I did!


Heather Lundberg
3 months ago

I recently had the bait boxes refilled to avoid having mice move into my house as the weather turns colder. Mike and Jake arrived at the appointed time. Both gentlemen were polite, friendly and very professional. When they left, I contacted Kassandra to arrange payment. She was lovely, pleasant and polite, a pleasure to speak with. I have used the services of this company for years and have always been pleased.