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Home > Bugs > Bugs of People and Pets > Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a nuisance when they swarm in large numbers, and when they bite, leaving behind itchy welts. They are more than a nuisance, however. They can carry serious diseases that infect humans and animals, including West Nile virus, malaria, and eastern equine encephalitis. Every effort should be made to avoid mosquito bites.

There are over 3000 species of mosquitoes worldwide, and over 40 in Maine, about half of which feed on human blood. Mosquitoes are active at dusk and dawn and generally inactive during the heat of the day.

adult mosquito adult mosquito up close mosquito larvae
When a mosquito bites, it injects chemicals to prevent the blood from clotting and reduce pain. These chemicals cause irritation, which causes itching. Only the female mosquitoes feed on blood; male mosquitoes feed on plant nectar and juices. Mosquito larvae. In warm weather mosquitoes can grow from egg to adult in 5 days.

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[Photos, left to right: Jim Occi, BugPics, Bugwood.org; Susan Ellis, Bugwood.org; Jim Occi, BugPics, Bugwood.org]

 
It is the policy of the State of Maine to minimize reliance on pesticides. The Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine IPM Council encourage everyone to practice integrated pest management and to use pesticides only as a last resort. The mention of pesticides in the fact sheets linked to these pages does not imply an endorsement of any product. Be sure that any product used is currently registered and follow all label directions.