Mosquito Question & Answer

A: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, where the adults lay their eggs and the larvae hatch and develop. Because mosquitioes must have water to complete their life cycle, treating sources of water is important to prevent the larvae from becoming breeding, biting, and potentially disease-carrying adults.

A: In general, yes. Most mosquitoes you see are from your property or your neighbors. Mosquitoes usually stay close to the area where they developed into adults. There are mosquito species, however, that can fly several miles. Counties and municipalities pay the most attention to these.

A: Some do, but with a limited amount of general fogging or with specific treatments of areas, such as catch basins. Many parts of our community, including private property and retention ponds, are not treated. (Check with your local health department or Mosquito Abatement District for details on any local treatment programs.

A: We do spray to kill the adult, biting mosquitoes. By the time you see them, however, several hundred mosquitoes have already emerged from qater sources as adults. It's much better to stop them before that point, with a larvicide that prevents mosquitoes from developing.

A: Yes. These products are fully approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are applied by trained, licensed technicians. They are specifically designed to target insects and only insects.

A: We have products that target only insects. They are not harmful to fish, pets or wildlife when used according to label directions.

A: Even one bite from a disease-carrying mosquito can infect a person with West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne diseases. Pets are aalso at risk for West Nile Virus.

A: Yes. While there are hundreds of different species, there are two basic classifications: floodwater and permanent-water mosquitoes. Both types can transmit West Nile virus and other diseases. You should avoid bites.

A: Mosquitoes develop, mature and lay eggs in standing water whenever conditions are right, which is quite often in warmer months. Regular treatments are recommended whenever conditions are suitable for mosquito reproduction.

A: It is possible for mosquitoes to migrate from other areas and to reproduce in new sources of standing water. Treatment will greatly reduce the number, though, and will provide significant protection.

A: Treatment should begin as soon as the temperature regularly is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit and should continue into the fall. In many southern areas of the country, year-round treatment is advised.

A: Just until the adulticide is dry. Waiting is not necessary with the larvicide.

A: Yes, the larvicide product we use has been completely tested by the EPA and can be used in these areas.