Identify & Learn More About Mosquitoes
High Risk
Blood-sucking flying pests that breed in standing water and transmit dangerous diseases including West Nile virus and Zika
Call Athena Pest Control Immediately if:
You're experiencing constant mosquito swarms around your property
You discover extensive standing water breeding sites you cannot eliminate
You live near confirmed cases of mosquito-borne diseases in your area
Identification Guide
Size
1/4 to 3/8 inch long
Key Features
Long thin legs, needle-like proboscis, narrow wings with scales, humped back
Common Species
Aedes Mosquitoes
Black with white stripes, day-biters, transmit Zika and dengue
Culex Mosquitoes
Brown, active at dusk/dawn, primary West Nile virus carriers
Anopheles Mosquitoes
Spotted wings, rest at angles, potential malaria carriers
Asian Tiger Mosquitoes
Aggressive day-biters with distinctive white striped legs
Where You'll Find Mosquitoes
Flower pots, gutters, bird baths, old tires, tarps, kiddie pools, tree holes, storm drains
Dense vegetation, under decks, in garages, dark corners, tall grass, mulched areas
Constant buzzing, multiple bite marks, larvae in standing water, swarms at dusk/dawn
Shaded outdoor spaces, near water features, around outdoor lighting, patios and decks
Mosquito Prevention Tips
Empty containers weekly, clean gutters, fix drainage issues, treat ornamental ponds
Trim overgrown vegetation, maintain proper lawn height, remove debris, improve air circulation
Use repellents with DEET, wear long sleeves at peak times, install screens, use fans outdoors
Install rain barrel screens, fix leaky outdoor faucets, ensure proper pool maintenance
Health & Property Risks
Disease Transmission
West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue fever, chikungunya, Eastern equine encephalitis
Quality of Life
Constant biting makes outdoor activities unbearable during peak season
Pet Health
Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm and other diseases to dogs and cats
Seasonal Activity
Mosquito activity is temperature-dependent with peak seasons varying by species:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season
April through October with highest populations during warm, humid summer months
Treatment Difficulty
DIY Effectiveness: ⭐⭐ (Low to Moderate) – Repellents provide temporary personal protection but don’t reduce populations
Why Professional Treatment is Essential: Effective mosquito control requires comprehensive property assessment, identification of all breeding sites, targeted larvicide applications, adult population reduction treatments, and ongoing monitoring. Professional treatments use specialized equipment and products not available to consumers.
Expected Timeline: 2-4 weeks for significant population reduction, with monthly maintenance during active season
Mosquito Myth Busters
Myth: Mosquitoes are attracted to light
Truth: Most mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, and specific scents, not light
Myth: Eating garlic or taking vitamin B repels mosquitoes
Truth: No scientific evidence supports dietary mosquito repellents
Myth: All mosquitoes bite humans
Truth: Only female mosquitoes bite, and many species prefer birds or other animals over humans
