Most mosquitoes live for just about five to six weeks during warm weather. Depending on their stage of development (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) and species of mosquito, there are different methods you can use to eliminate them.
Mosquito bites are annoying in and of themselves, but humans have also long known that mosquitoes carry diseases. That means the itching from a mosquito bite could be a harbinger of worse things to come.
In this article, I’ll take a look at how and where mosquitoes live, their life cycle, and some preventative measures you can take to eliminate them before they get out of hand.
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What Is the Mosquito Life Cycle?
You can’t really talk about the life cycle of mosquitoes without also talking about their habitat, so let’s do that first.
Mosquitoes and Water
Mosquitoes like water — specifically, stale, stagnant water. Puddles in your or your neighbor’s yard could be a perfect breeding ground for them.
Wading pools that haven’t been frequently emptied can turn into mosquito hatcheries faster than you’d believe. The same thing applies to birdbaths without constantly running water. Clogged gutters on your house — out of sight and out of mind — are prime breeding locations for mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes react to rapidly running water the way Dracula reacts to sunlight. Moving water is hazardous to their eggs and larvae.
The Four Stages of the Mosquito Life Cycle
Mosquitoes go through four stages in their life cycle — egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The first three require standing, stagnant water. Anywhere that meets that requirement will sustain the subadult mosquitoes, though you might not notice them. The adults are obvious — they’re the ones whining in your ear, trying to bite you.
Female mosquitoes often lay their eggs in areas subject to periodic flooding. The mosquito eggs are laid on or near the surface of the water, and the eggs hatch into larvae after they become submerged. By the way, the eggs can survive for several months, waiting to be covered with water.
Females can lay up to two hundred eggs at a time, and they’ll hatch within 24 to 48 hours if inundated. This is why wading pools must be emptied the moment they’re no longer being used.
Mosquitoes that have hatched are known as larvae. They’re also called “wrigglers” because that’s how they swim. As larvae, they go through four growth stages, getting bigger during each. They feed on microscopic bacteria in the water and breathe air at the surface.
The next stage is the pupa, or “tumbler,” in which the mosquitoes are transitioning into fully formed adults. They don’t eat during the pupal stage — they just tumble around in the water to avoid predators. Within 24 to 48 hours, the new adults will emerge and fly away.
Male mosquitoes only live for a week or so. Once they mate with females, they die. The adult female mosquitoes live for four to five weeks after that, laying multiple batches of eggs. The females are the ones that are flying around your head and biting you.
Mosquitoes find refuge in tall grass, shrubs, and low-hanging tree branches. If you have any of these in your yard, adult mosquitoes will rest there when they’re inactive.
Female vs. Male Mosquitoes Lifespan
While both male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar for energy, only the females bite humans and animals to obtain the protein they need to make eggs.
Male mosquitoes typically live for about a week, dying soon after mating. On the other hand, female mosquitoes can live up to four to six weeks, laying multiple batches of eggs during their lifetime.
How Long Can Mosquitoes Live Without Food or Blood?
Mosquitoes require regular access to food sources to survive. Male mosquitoes can live for a few days without nectar, while females can survive for about a week without a blood meal.
However, their life span is significantly reduced when they don’t have access to their preferred food sources. So, you need to do your best to eliminate standing water and minimize attractive scents in your yard.
Mosquito Food Sources
Adult male mosquitoes need sweet fluids such as nectar to eat. Wide, flat lawns with nothing but grass are basically a desert to them. They’ll have to go somewhere else to find their food.
The females also eat nectar — it’s only after they mate that they need protein to begin laying eggs. Unfortunately, you already know where they get the protein from — your blood.
Preventing Mosquito Breeding And Growth
Now that you understand the mosquito life cycle, you can take steps to disrupt mosquito breeding and growth at each stage:
Eliminate standing water sources where females lay eggs. Empty bird baths, flower pots, buckets, and wading pools frequently. Clean rain gutters and direct drainage away from your property. Consider using Mosquito Dunks in unavoidable standing water — they contain bacteria that kill mosquito larvae but are safe for people, pets, and plants.
Apply mosquito larvicide to standing water that can’t be drained. Aeration, agitation, and plants that shade the water can also deter larval stage growth. Introducing fish that eat mosquito larvae may help control populations in ponds.
Since pupas don’t eat, insecticide won’t affect them. Focus on eliminating larvae. Preventing stagnant water is key.
Adult mosquitoes can be killed or driven away with pesticide sprays, carbon dioxide traps, zappers, candles, and fans. Protect yourself with DEET insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito netting.
So, Is Mosquito Control Important for Your Property?
Absolutely. Mosquitoes are a nuisance and a health hazard due to the diseases — like West Nile virus, Zika virus, malaria, and more — that they can transmit through bites. Their rapid breeding cycle means populations can quickly get out of control if standing water isn’t eliminated. By understanding their life cycle and preferences, you can take the right steps to keep mosquitoes at bay and protect your family.
You may find our article exploring which mosquito repellents work best an interesting and informative read.
Final Thoughts on the Mosquito Lifespan
Mosquitoes live for about five to six weeks during the summer, but they can survive any time of year when the weather is warm enough. In other words, they’re not a seasonal pest everywhere.
If you live in the southern part of the United States, you can see and hear mosquitoes 365 days a year. Keeping them away from you and your property will be a nonstop occupation. Wherever you are, they are.
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FAQs About Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes go through four development stages — egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The first three stages require standing water for the mosquitoes to continue living and growing.
Eliminate standing water where females lay eggs. Use larvicides, Mosquito Dunks, aeration, and fish in unavoidable standing water sources.
Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, heat, carbon dioxide, floral or perfume smells, dark clothing, and bare skin.
Most mosquitoes live about five to six weeks in warm weather. Some species can overwinter as adults and live for six to eight months.
Mosquitoes are generally most active in the early morning and evening, especially at dusk. Some species will bite during the day.
Mosquitoes can live indoors for several weeks, depending on the availability of food sources and hiding spots.
