Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes

Description: There are over 80 different species of mosquitoes living in Florida. While each species is slightly different in size and color, they are all relatively small, with long rear legs. Their bodies are a single, elongated extension covered by wings.

Seasonality: Mosquitoes are active throughout the year in tropical environments such as Florida. They are especially active during the rainy season and after Hurricanes where flooding is likely to occur.

Attractions: Tropical environments, standing water, nectar from plants and for the females in this species, blood meals to develop her eggs. Mosquitoes locate blood hosts by scent, sight and heat. From 100 feet away mosquitoes can smell your scent, especially the carbon dioxide you exhale. Receiving a mosquito bite is the most common sign of their arrival.

Damage: In addition to the itching and inflammation of their bite, mosquitoes carry diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), West Nile encephalitis, dog heartworm, and many others. The females, who drink blood to develop their eggs, can carry diseases from one animal or human to another as they feed.

Download a Guide to Learn More About West Nile Virus (PDF)

Avoiding Mosquito Bites

Read University of Florida’s Mosquito Fast Facts