Mosquitoes

MOSQUITO IDENTIFICATION

In recent years, mosquitoes have gone from nuisance pests to known vectors of deadly disease. Non-native mosquitoes have joined North American natives and brought new dangers with them.

Adult mosquitoes grow about 1/4 inch long. These slender pests have six legs, three distinct body segments — head, thorax and abdomen — and two transparent, veined wings. Three types of mosquitoes are of special concern when it comes to disease transmission:

• Culex mosquitoes – Typically thought of as common mosquitoes, these brownish pests transmit the pathogens behind West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis. They typically bite during evening and nighttime hours.
• Aedes mosquitoes – These exotic types transmit pathogens associated with multiple diseases, including Zika virus and dengue. They have striking black and white markings and bite during daytime instead of at night.
• Anopheles mosquitoes – Also known as malaria mosquitoes, these pests transmit the parasite behind that disease. Dark brown with four dark wing patches, they hold raise their abdomens high in the air when they bite and feed in the evening.

Some insects, such as crane flies, look similar to mosquitoes. But none of these lookalikes bite and feed on blood.

SIGNS OF MOSQUITOES

Buzzing, biting and itchy swollen skin are the calling cards of adult mosquitoes, but it pays to focus on signs of these pests in the early egg stages:

• Raft-like clusters of white to brown mosquito eggs that float on top of stagnant water signal Culex mosquitoes at work.
• White eggs, which quickly turn black, sitting right above the water line in water-holding vessels indicate Aedes mosquito types.
• Individual eggs that darken in color as they float separately on the water's surface point to Anopheles mosquitoes.

When mosquito eggs hatch, the caterpillar-like mosquito larvae hang suspended by their rears below the water. Common Culex and exotic Aedes mosquito larvae hang perpendicular to the water surface. Anopheles larvae hang parallel to the water line.

HOW TO CONTROL MOSQUITOES

Effective mosquito control targets these dangerous pests as larvae and adults. Larvae-fighting products called "larvicides" kill immature mosquitoes before they reach the flying and biting stage. "Adulticides" work to kill adult mosquitoes before they can bite and transmit pathogens that cause disease.

Amdro Quick Kill®+ mosquito control products help you fight mosquitoes effectively at both life stages:

• Amdro Quick Kill+ larvicide treatments come in two convenient forms that prevent adult mosquitoes from developing. Disc-like Mosquito Bombs treat larger bodies of water, such as water gardens and fish ponds. Granular Mosquito Pellets treat shallow water sites, such as bird baths and plant saucers.
• Amdro Quick Kill+ Mosquito Fogger sprays up to 15 feet to kill adult mosquitoes by contact. It's perfect for patios and decks — and it controls wasps, yellow jackets, flies and gnats.
• Amdro Quick Kill+ Mosquito Yard Spray starts killing adult mosquitoes within minutes to provide sameday control. Use it to treat lawns, flower gardens and larger outdoor spaces where you entertain.

MOSQUITO CONTROL TIPS

Mosquitoes can turn even a thimbleful of water into a breeding ground. Monitor your property carefully and eliminate all unnecessary or undesirable water. Then treat your water features with larvicides to prevent the next adult mosquito generation.

+ Brand name does not refer to product efficacy.

Always read product labels and follow the instructions carefully.
Amdro Quick Kill is a registered trademark of Central Garden & Pet Company.