Mosquitoes | Des Moines, Iowa

What Do Mosquitoes Look Like?

There are many different species of mosquitoes, all of which have six legs and two wings. Adult mosquitoes typically have thin, long legs and are between 3 and 9 mm. Their wings and body are covered with tiny small scales.

Why Are Mosquitoes So Common At Night?

Adult, female mosquitoes are most known for feeding on blood to help support their eggs. What many people are not aware of when it comes to both male and female adult mosquitoes is that they also feed on nectar from flowers. Mosquito eggs tend to be located in stagnant water. The larvae feed on a mixture of different materials depending on the mosquito species. Mosquitoes tend to be most active from dusk to dawn and in dark, shaded areas. You will never see mosquitoes in the daylight/sunlight due to the chance they will die.

How Do Mosquitoes Reproduce?

Males locate female mosquitoes with their antennae when they want to mate. After mating occurs, female mosquitoes begin the search for a blood source to help with their egg production. The female then lays her eggs in a standing pool of water which can be from a variety of sources such as bird baths, puddles, buckets, ponds, etc. The number of eggs varies from species to species, but generally, female mosquitoes can have over 100 eggs in one laying.

What Are The Signs of a Mosquito Infestation?

Signs of a mosquito infestation include a large amount of mosquito activity in one space which consists of the females buzzing and biting. You can also have a mosquito infestation when the eggs hatch.

How Many Types of Mosquitoes Are Found In Iowa?

Two main types of mosquitoes are found in Iowa, floodwater mosquitoes and vector mosquitoes. Floodwater mosquitoes lay their eggs in low-lying areas that are submerged by water after rainfall. These eggs hatch approximately two weeks after a heavy rain. Floodwater mosquitoes can fly up to 10 miles from where they hatch and are a nuisance because their bite can be painful, but they rarely carry diseases.

Vector mosquitoes, on the other hand, are known to carry diseases. They lay their eggs just above the surface of stagnant water in places such as ditches, sewage plants, ponds, etc. These eggs hatch in about two to three days and stay close to where they hatch.

What Treatments Do You Use To Ward Off Mosquitoes?

To keep mosquitoes at bay, Preferred Pest will treat your yard with industry leading mosquito repellent, Demand CS. Offering homeowners peace of mind, Demand CS helps control not only mosquitoes, but 30 others types of insects as well. Demand CS can be used both inside and outside with very little to no odor.

Des Moines Pest Control

For safe and efficient mosquito control, let Preferred Pest help! As the leading Des Moines exterminator we will take care of the problem effectively and efficiently. You can make an appointment online or give us a call at (515) 276-7277 today!