Mosquito larvae leave their eggs within 2-3 days to "swim" in water and complete their development into the adults that we all hate to have flying around us.
These mosquito larvae move through the water in a serpentine motion, and are pretty smart because if they sense a shadow or movement, they dive to the bottom to avoid the disturbance.
The larvae prefer shallow water because there is less turbulence and wave action.
After 5-6 days, the larvae develop into a pupa stage that lasts 2-3 more days, and then they become those nasty adults that fly and seek blood to feed on.
PREVENTION AND ORGANIC CONTROL:
Eliminate standing water.
Because water is absolutely necessary for mosquito larvae and pupa development, any containers that can hold water is potentially a home for the mosquito larvae to develop in...remember it only takes about 10 days for them to reach the adult stage.
- Properly dispose of old tires, cans, bottles, water-collecting rubbish, and other unused or unwanted containers.
- Eliminate standing pools of water created from tire ruts or similar sites that hold water for more than one week.
- Avoid excess watering of lawns and gardens.
- Control seepage from air-conditioning units and ill-fitting garden hoses.
- Periodically clean birdbaths, pet dishes, plant pots, rain barrels, and kiddie pools.
CHEMICAL CONTROL:
Use larvicides to kill mosquito larvae. Such products are available in your local stores and are very effective and safe around other non-target insects, bugs, fish and animals.
To learn more about adult mosquitoes and how to control them click here.
