How Long Have Mosquitos Been Around?
There are about 3,000 different mosquito species around the world, and these insects have inhabited our planet for more than 30 million years! The United States alone hosts around 150 different types of mosquitos. Over the years, mosquitos have evolved in various ways to adapt and increase their chances of survival. They can sense when an animal or person exudes carbon dioxide from up to 100 feet away when they are on the hunt. Some can even travel up to 75 miles away from their breeding grounds to get food and nutrients. For the most part, they breed in standing water. Mosquitos don’t require much from the environment to expand their population. With this type of will and ability to adapt, it’s no wonder they have lasted as long as they have with vast population numbers.
Number of Mosquito Species on Earth
Among the 3,000 species we mentioned, there are only 28 genera, or sub-species. Mosquitos are separated into these subgroups based on where they breed. Of those 28, three are stateside. We house the Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex. All three have different breeding grounds and biting patterns. The Anopheles is most known for transferring malaria and breeding in freshwater areas. The Culex simply needs standing water of any kind, and its bites are persistent and somewhat painful. Aedes is the traveler of the three, as this genera often looks for snacks in various locations. If your backyard has become a haven for these pesky bugs, call Platinum Mosquito Protection for help. We can set up automatic mosquito misting systems for automatic mosquito control.
How to Safely Keep the Mosquito Population at Bay
We cannot be exactly sure how many mosquitos populate the Earth, but we can help you keep the population at bay. There are other ways to control mosquitos available to you, but automatic mosquito control systems seem to be a great way to curb their presence around the home. You should be able to enjoy your backyard or outdoor business in the South Florida summertime without care. These pests can carry potentially deadly diseases, so protect your home or business in the easiest way possible with these types of automatic mosquito control systems:
Residential Mosquito Misting System: Protect your home with an automatically activated mosquito control system. We can install these around your house or in specific areas where you notice mosquitos gathering. They use natural and synthetic forms of pyrethrum, which is derived from chrysanthemums, allowing you and your family to avoid using harsh chemicals to get the job done.
Commercial Mosquito Misting System: If your business utilizes a patio, garden, or other outdoor feature, an automatic mosquito misting control system is the perfect way to keep your patrons safe. Mosquitos can enjoy your outdoor areas no matter the time of day or year, knowing they won’t be exposed to potentially harmful mosquito bites. Commercial mosquito misting systems can be installed in the most inconspicuous places to keep them from becoming an eyesore throughout your grounds. And if you are devoted to keeping your carbon footprint as small as possible, there are even all-natural options for these systems.
What is the Life Cycle of a Mosquito?
While there are many different species of mosquitos, they all go through the same four life cycle steps from egg to adult. Each species has its own unique appearance, which helps determine which one is bothering you and your guests either at your business or in your South Florida backyard.
Egg: All mosquitos require a moist area to lay their eggs. Most tend to find a puddle, lake, or other sources of still water. Others, however, can lay eggs on moist soil where water frequently floods. Most only need two days to hatch and reach their larva stage.
Larva: Once hatched, larvae live underwater to feed on microorganisms or plants. They will only come to the surface to breathe, but they can also latch onto plant roots for the necessary oxygen. They will continue to grow and molt, or shed, their skin until they reach the pupa stage.
Pupa: After the larvae completely cocoon themselves, they will rest in this phase. They are still responsive to light and can protect their vital spots with the use of their tail. Their adult bodies are forming in this stage of their life cycle.
Adult: When mosquitos finally achieve their fully-formed adult body, they will emerge from the pod and escape to the surface of the water. There, they will dry until their body hardens, and they can use their wings. They won’t begin feeding on blood or reproduce until a few days after they are dry.
Platinum Mosquito Protection Keeps Your Home Mosquito-Free
Our team can help your home or business stay as mosquito-free as possible with automatic mosquito control systems like the ones mentioned in the above sections. If you have any further questions or wish to set up an appointment, call Platinum Mosquito Protection today!
