Mosquitoes Pest
Are you having Mosquitoes problems?
Aedes Mosquitoes
Body Size and colour
Aedes Mosquitoes are small, typically 2-10mm long. Aedes aegypti is dark with white markings on its legs and a distinctive lyre-shaped pattern on its thorax
Habitat
Aedes mosquitoes breed in standing water often in artificial containers such as buckets, flowerpots, tires and stagnant water. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in urban environments.
Feeding
Female Aedes mosquitoes feed on blood to obtain proteins necessary for egg development. They are aggressive day biters with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon. Males feed primarily on nectar and do not bite humans.
Reproduction
Female Aedes mosquitoes lay eggs on the walls of water-containing vessels just above the waterline. The eggs can survive dry conditions for several months when they come into contact with water. The life cycle from egg to adult can be as short as 7-10 days in ideal conditions.
Culex Mosquitoes
Body Size and colour
Culex Mosquitoes are medium sized, typically measuring 4-10mm length. Culex mosquitoes have a brown or grey body with whitish or silver scales on their wings and body.
Habitat
Culex mosquitoes breed in a variety of stagnant water sources, including ditches, ponds, marshes and artificial containers such as old tires and clogged gutters.
Feeding
Female culex mosquitoes primarily feed on blood of birds, mammals and occasionally humans to obtain the necessary proteins for egg development. Male mosquitoes feed on nectar and do not bite. They are most active during the evening and at night with peak biting activity occurring around dusk and dawn.
Reproduction
Female Culex mosquitoes lay eggs on the surface of stagnant water. The eggs hatch into larvae, which develop into pupae before emerging as adult mosquitoes.
What are Mosquitoes?
Health risks of mosquitoes
Dengue Fever
Spread by Aedes mosquitoes, dengue can cause severe flu-like symptoms and potentially lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Zika Virus
Also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, zika virus can cause birth defects if contracted during pregnancy
Malaria
Malaria is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.
West Nile Virus
Transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, west nile virus can lead to neurological diseases.
Yellow Fever
Aedes mosquitoes can spread yellow fever which causes jaundice, fever and bleeding.
Signs of mosquitoes infestations
Bite marks
Itchy, red welts on the skin are common sign of mosquitoes bites.
Buzzing sound
The distinctive high pitched buzzing of mosquitoes if often heard during peak activity times
Stagnant water
Presences of stagnant water around your home, which serves as breeding sites for mosquitoes
Prevention tips against mosquitoes
Eliminate Stagnant water
Remove or regularly inspect for empty containers that collect water, such as buckets, flowerpots, outdoor children playgrounds to eliminate breeding sites.
Use Mosquitoe Repellents
Apply approved mosquitoes repellents when going outdoor.
Install Insects Screens
Tight fitting screens on windows and doors prevent mosquitoes from entering to your home.
Maintain your garden
Keep your garden clean and free of debris where mosquitoes might breed. Trim grass and bushes regularly
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear long sleeves, pants and socks when outdoor especially during peak mosquitoes activity times.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but also potential vectors for several diseases especially dengue fever in Singapore. Regular maintenance, use of repellents and professional pest control services are key strategies to protect your family from mosquito-borne illness. Ensuring your home free from stagnant water is the best prevention against breeding them.
