In the world of insects, mosquitoes are notorious for their role in spreading diseases. However, understanding their life cycle is crucial in mitigating the issues they cause. Mosquitoes undergo four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The first three stages require water, with eggs hatching into larvae that feed on organic matter in water bodies. Temperature plays a significant role in their development; warmer conditions can accelerate their growth, leading to a life cycle completion in as little as a week. Habit-wise, only female mosquitoes feed on blood which is necessary for egg production, while males and the occasional female feed on nectar.
The City of Great Bend fogs at the first sign of mosquitoes. We have been fogging since May 23rd. We use two different chemicals and fog the West side with one and the East side with the other chemical and switch every other time. We divide the city by Washington and deliver the chemicals in a way that allows for drifting of the chemical. Our chemicals only attack adults so destruction of habitat that would encourage mosquitoes to reproduce is very important.
Mosquitoes inhabit areas with stagnant water like ponds, marshes, and swamps, but they can also thrive in any water-holding container, making human habitats like yards and cities perfect breeding grounds. It only takes a bottle cap full of water to become a potential breeding site. To reduce mosquito populations, eliminating standing water is key. This includes overturning water containers, cleaning gutters, and disposing of tires. It takes all of us to help reduce our mosquito population.