Understanding how mosquitoes grow helps us stop them before they bite. 

Egg –  Female mosquitoes lay 100-300 eggs on or near standing water, after a blood meal. As little as a bottlecap of water is needed for eggs to hatch, and the eggs can remain viable in a dry state for years! Because of the long term viability of eggs, it's recommended to dump and scrub all containers prone to filling with water, weekly.

Larva ("wiggler") – Larvae emerge from mosquito eggs and live in standing water, feeding on bacteria and organic matter. This is known as the "growth phase" of the mosquito lifecycle. During this phase, they will molt 4 times, growing bigger with each molt. When investigating the source of a mosquito problem, you'll likely find larvae wiggling in standing water. This is the easiest phase of the lifecycle to get rid of mosquitoes- dump all standing water you find, no matter how small!

Pupa ("tumbler") – The pupal phase is known as the "transformation phase" of the lifecycle. During the 4th molt, the larvae forms a protective shell around it's body and becomes a pupa. Inside the pupa, the body transforms from larva into a winged, adult mosquito. During this phase, the pupa doesn’t feed, but instead focuses all of it's energy on transforming. When disturbed, the pupa can be seen "tumbling" deeper into the water, before floating back up to the surface. After 2 days of transformation, the pupal shell splits and the adult mosquito emerges from the water.

Adult – Adult mosquitoes emerge from the pupa and will rest on the surface of the water until the wings are completely dried out, and they're ready to fly. Males mosquitoes will go on to feed only on nectar, serving as pollinators within the ecosystem.  Females will seek a blood meal to develop her eggs. When ready, she will find nearby habitats known to fill with water or existing standing water to lay her eggs, completing the life cycle. Due to the quick timeline of the lifecycle and sheer number of mosquitoes that can be produced from a single adult female, the adult phase is the hardest point in time to stop mosquitoes in their tracks. The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to stop them at the source- prevent mosquito habitats by dumping all standing water.

Fast fact: In warm weather, a mosquito can go from egg to adult in as little as 3–5 days. That’s why it’s important to remove standing water quickly—before larvae become biting adults.

Are You Raising Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes can develop in as little as a bottle cap of water. Common backyard sources include:

• Buckets, yard tools, flowerpots, and toys
• Birdbaths and pet bowls
• Clogged rain gutters
• Yard drains
• Unmaintained pools or spas
• Trash or recycling left outdoors

If you can tip it, toss it, or drain it—do it! Eliminating standing water is the most effective way to stop mosquitoes before they bite.