Mosquito Control NYC

Appearance

Size: Usually no larger than ⅛ of an inch

Color: Most varieties of mosquito are blackish-brown in coloring

A mosquito on a white background.

Mosquito Control and Prevention

Mosquitoes live and (more importantly) reproduce in sources of standing water. Getting rid of stagnant water around your building is the most important way to prevent mosquito infestations.

Find and fix leaks

Drain puddles

Stop run-off

Empty containers and bins where rainwater may collect

Refresh birdbaths often

You may be one stagnant pool away from the next mosquito hatching. Prevent water from collecting as much as possible to reduce mosquito breeding sites on your property. Call Assured for professional mosquito control in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut for more advice on how to identify and reduce populations around you.

Mosquito Facts and Identification

Behavior and Diet

Contrary to popular belief, only female mosquitoes drink blood. They require the protein and amino acids in blood to produce eggs. Mosquitoes find blood by sensing the carbon dioxide exuded by the humans and other animals by using a special chemosensory system.

Mosquitoes mate and lay eggs in standing water. They’re also attracted to warmth and sugar. Consequently, mosquitoes tend to flock to food, sugary beverages, and hot, humid areas.

Reproduction and Mosquito Life Cycle

A single female mosquito can lay between 100 and 300 eggs at a time and could lay thousands of eggs in her lifetime. Mosquito eggs hatch 24 to 48 hours after they’re laid. Mosquitoes have a four-stage life cycle.

Mosquito development rate depends largely on environmental temperature. In warm environments they develop extremely quickly, growing from egg to reproductive adult in days. In colder environments, a single generation of mosquitoes could live for several months.

More Information

The EPA’s page on Mosquito Control

Tips from the CDC on How to Avoid Mosquito Bites

American Mosquito Control Association “Mosquito Info” About page

Mosquito FAQ

Are mosquitoes insects?

Yes, like all other insects (arthropods), mosquitoes have a head, thorax, and abdomen containing specialized organelles for interpreting sensory information (the head), for locomotion (the thorax) and for egg development and digestion (the abdomen). Their name means "little fly."

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

Mosquitoes are considered one of the deadliest creatures on earth. They are the most medically significant and dangerous transmitters of disease in the world.

How long do mosquitoes live?

On average, mosquitoes live 2-3 weeks. Males die much sooner than females, only lasting 10 days while females can live up to 60 days.

When do mosquitoes come out in New York?

Mosquitoes do best in warm weather. Once the mercury rises above 70 degrees they buzz into active mode. In New York, that usually means mosquito season is from April to October.

What attracts mosquitoes?

Consensus says several things attract mosquitoes including strong bright or dark colors, perfumes and scents, sweets, sweat and carbon dioxide.

Why do mosquito bites itch?

When a female mosquito bites you, it’s to get to your blood. They achieve this by inserting their proboscis – a long, straw like snout - into your skin. To keep your blood from coagulating while they drink, mosquitoes inject an anticoagulant under your skin. This is what causes the itch and irritation you feel.

Do mosquitoes bite dogs?

Yes. Mosquitoes will get blood meals from any source they can find, even your pets.

What are scents that repel mosquitoes?

Citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, cedarwood and rosemary have all been proven to deter mosquitoes.

How you get rid of mosquitoes?

Beyond the methods listed above, if your New York mosquito infestation is keeping you indoors, call the pros at Assured Environments. We can treat your property to keep mosquitoes away and keep new swarms from hatching.