509 Griffin Blvd. Panama City Beach Fl. 32413850-233-5030850-233-5034

Mosquitoes

Mosquito Facts

Mosquitoes are insects with two wings. There are over 3,500 different species of mosquitoes found in the world; over 80 of these species are found in Florida. 45 species have been found on Panama City Beach, each of which has a different habitat, behavior, and preferred source of blood. Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance as biting insects, but are also involved periodically in transmitting diseases to humans and animals.

Mosquito Diseases

Mosquito Life Cycle: There are over 80 species of mosquitoes in Florida and each one has a different biology. Adult females vary widely in size. For example, the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which is common in Florida, is among the smallest.  The largest mosquito in Florida, the Elephant Mosquito (Toxorynchites rutilus) does not bite humans or animals at all. Adult females can live from 2 to 14 days while the males live only long enough to mate usually 3 or 4 days. Want to learn more about adult mosquito identification? Visit the FMEL identification site Only female mosquitoes bite. They need the protein found in blood to produce eggs. A female can produce as many as 250 eggs from one blood meal. After the eggs are laid, they may hatch in a couple of days or it may be months before they hatch. The larva, or wiggler, emerges from the egg and grows from 1/16 to 1/4 inches in length in 4 to 10 days, depending on the temperature of the water they grow in and their food supply. The next stage is the pupa, or tumbler. This stage lasts only about 2 days. During this time the mosquito transforms from the aquatic larva into the flying adult. The pupa does not feed. Female mosquitoes can transmit diseases when they bite. In Florida, mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, and dog heartworm. In the past, mosquitoes were responsible for epidemics of malaria and yellow fever in Florida. These diseases have been mostly eradicated from the state thanks, in part, to organized mosquito control programs. Mosquitoes do NOT carry AIDS, hepatitis, or leukemia.

Repellent Info

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The 5 D’s

Protection against the mosquito bite is taught by teaching the 5 D’s:
  • Dusk (Stay indoors during this time due to high mosquito activity).
  • Dawn (Stay indoors during this time due to high mosquito activity).
  • Dress (Cover your skin with clothing. Remember: Long Pants and Sleeves.)
  • DEET (Protect bare skin and clothing with a DEET mosquito repellent).
  • Drain (Empty containers of stagnant water to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes)