Key Takeaways
- Only female mosquitoes bite, because they need blood to develop their eggs.
- Mosquitoes breed in standing water, even in something as small as a bottle cap.
- Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are the most common mosquito-borne diseases in Queensland.
- Repellent, covering up and emptying water containers are the best ways to cut bites.
- Professional yard treatments reduce mosquitoes where you relax outdoors.
What Are Mosquitoes?
The word mosquito is Spanish for “little fly”. There are about 3,500 different species of mosquitoes, and they are a type of fly. Mosquitoes feed on plant nectar, just like bees, but female mosquitoes also bite people and animals.
Female mosquitoes need blood for the development of their eggs before laying them, while male mosquitoes do not require blood at all. Mosquitoes can carry diseases that affect humans, and our general pest control service can reduce them around your home. They can also transmit parasites and diseases that affect horses and dogs.
- They play an essential part in the ecosystem, as a food source for many other organisms.
- Each species lives in specific environments and bites different types of animals.
- Only the females bite people.
Mosquito Infestation
Mosquitoes live in a range of environments, but they are primarily concentrated near standing water. Their eggs require water to hatch. Some species lay eggs in moist soil, and the eggs hatch when the soil is flooded by water.
Other species lay eggs in water or near standing water. Female mosquitoes can lay up to 200 eggs at one time, and they hatch in summer when the conditions are right.
Mosquito Life Cycle
Every mosquito starts in water, which is why standing water is the key to control. Understanding the stages shows why a weekly clean-up works so well.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Egg | Laid in or near standing water, or in moist soil that later floods |
| Larva | Develops in the water after the egg hatches |
| Pupa | A resting stage in the water before the adult emerges |
| Adult | Flies off to feed, and females seek blood to lay more eggs |
Because the early stages all depend on water, emptying containers each week breaks the cycle before adults can fly.
Where Mosquitoes Lay Eggs
Mosquitoes can breed in surprisingly small amounts of water. Check your yard for these common sites, and empty them at least weekly.
- Buckets
- Tree holes
- Places as small as bottle caps
- Tarpaulins or plastic covers
- Old tyres
- Potted plant trays and saucers
- Toys
Signs Mosquitoes Are Breeding Near Your Home
You do not need a swarm to have a breeding problem. A single neglected container is enough to produce a steady stream of new mosquitoes.
- Mosquitoes biting at dawn, dusk or in shaded corners of the yard.
- Small wriggling larvae in buckets, saucers or birdbaths.
- Water that has been standing for more than a week.
- Clouds of mosquitoes rising when you disturb thick, damp vegetation.
How to Reduce Mosquitoes in Your Yard
The most effective step is removing the water they breed in. Mosquitoes need only a small amount, so a regular walk around the yard pays off.
| Area | What to do |
|---|---|
| Pot plant saucers | Empty them weekly or fill them with sand |
| Buckets and toys | Store them upside down |
| Tarpaulins and covers | Remove pooled water after rain |
| Old tyres and containers | Dispose of them or keep them covered |
| Gutters | Keep them clear so water drains freely |
Mosquito Bites and Diseases in Queensland
Mosquito bites generally look like a small itchy bump. People who are allergic to the bites have a more intense reaction. Mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases through their bites, so it pays to prevent bites with insect repellent when outside.
| Disease | What to know in Queensland |
|---|---|
| Ross River virus | Most commonly notified mosquito-borne disease |
| Barmah Forest virus | Also among the most common |
| Dengue | Spread by mosquitoes |
| Japanese encephalitis | The only one with a vaccine |
| Murray Valley encephalitis | Spread by mosquitoes |
If bites are severe or causing undue irritation, consult a medical professional as soon as possible.
What Are Mosquitoes Attracted To?
Hot, humid summers bring mosquitoes. Our skin produces chemicals, such as lactic acid, that attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes use carbon dioxide as a primary way to identify their targets, along with smell, sight and heat. They are also more attracted to people in dark clothes than light-coloured garments.
- Carbon dioxide from your breath.
- Body heat and skin chemicals such as lactic acid.
- Dark clothing.
- Standing water near your home.
How to Avoid Mosquito Bites
Queensland Health recommends a few simple habits. They work best in combination.
- Apply insect repellent regularly and reapply as directed.
- Wear loose, light-coloured clothing that covers your arms, legs and feet.
- Drain standing water and debris around the yard.
- Keep flyscreens in good repair.
See the Queensland Health advice for more.
Mosquito Bites: What to Do
Most bites are harmless and fade within a few days. Resist scratching, because broken skin can become infected.
- Wash the bite with soap and water.
- Apply a cold pack to ease itching and swelling.
- Use a mild antihistamine or soothing cream if needed.
- See a doctor if you feel unwell after a bite, or if the reaction is severe.
Mosquito Treatment for Your Yard
If mosquitoes are making it difficult for you to spend time outdoors in your garden, or stopping you from having that BBQ in fear they will attack your guests, let us help you. Biting midges can also ruin an evening, and our guide to midges explains the difference.
Control Pest Management technicians are licensed, fully insured and police checked, and our treatments are suitable for children and pets. We service the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Gladstone and Logan, so see our Gold Coast pest control page for local details. Request a free quote. Call 1300 357 246.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do mosquitoes breed?
Mosquito eggs need water to hatch. Females lay up to 200 eggs at a time in or near standing water, and some species lay in moist soil that later floods. Breeding sites include buckets, tree holes, bottle caps, tarpaulins, old tyres, pot plant saucers and toys, so empty containers holding water at least weekly.
Why do mosquitoes bite?
Only female mosquitoes bite. They need blood for the development of their eggs before laying them, while male mosquitoes do not need blood at all and feed on plant nectar, like bees. A bite generally looks like a small itchy bump, and people who are allergic can have a more intense reaction.
What are mosquitoes attracted to?
Mosquitoes use carbon dioxide as a primary way to find their targets, along with smell, sight and heat. They are also drawn to chemicals on our skin, such as lactic acid, and to people in dark clothes. Hot, humid summers bring mosquitoes, particularly around standing water.
Do mosquitoes carry diseases in Australia?
Yes. In Queensland, Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are the most common mosquito-borne diseases, and others include dengue, Japanese encephalitis and Murray Valley encephalitis. Japanese encephalitis is the only one with a vaccine, so avoiding bites is the main defence.
How can I avoid mosquito bites in Queensland?
Queensland Health recommends applying insect repellent regularly, wearing loose, light-coloured clothing that covers your arms, legs and feet, and draining standing water around the home. Ross River virus is the most commonly notified mosquito-borne disease in Queensland, so prevention is worth the effort.