Mosquitos

Pestgon FactSheet

MOSQUITOS: (Order Diptera)

Description:

Mosquitoes can be distinguished easily by their long legs and piercing proboscis (blood-sucking mouth part). In overall size, mosquitoes found in Southern California range from one quarter, to nearly one an inch in length. Large veins are visible in the wings. Mosquito larva are found in standing water and quickly emerge as biting adults. There are over 150 species of mosquitoes in the U.S. 9 are common in So Cal.

Biology:
Mosquitoes breed in water habitats, such as marshes, standing water, rain pools, flood water, irrigation puddles and all sorts of containerized water left by humans. Mosquitoes readily bite humans and some are diseases carriers. West Nile Virus (WNV) is now prevalent in Southern California, making mosquitoes potentially dangerous to your health and the health of your tenants. West Nile is a virus mainly transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes transmit the virus after feeding on the blood of infected birds. West Nile Virus can cause severe illness, resulting in hospitalization and even death.

Economic Impact:
Long-term elimination of mosquitoes requires Integrated Pest Management. Inspection and elimination of the breeding sites is essential in addressing mosquito populations.

Additional Links:
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/mosquitoes.html