Mosquito and mosquito species identification

Mosquitoes are small, flying insects belonging to the mosquito family, Culicidae. There are over 3,500 species worldwide, and the most common mosquito genera include Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles, each of which is known for transmitting different diseases. Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid environments and rely on standing water to complete their life cycle. While both male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar, only females bite, as they require blood to produce eggs. 

Determining what different breeds of mosquitoes are active where you live can be difficult. Luckily, Western Exterminator uses various mosquito identification techniques to provide effective mosquito control solutions.

Mosquito anatomy

So, what does a mosquito look like? Understanding their appearance can help you identify if these pests are flying around your outdoor spaces. Common characteristics include: 

• Size: Typically a quarter of an inch to ⅜ of an inch long
• Color: Varies by species, but often gray or brown with white, silver, or iridescent markings
• Body: Slender with long legs 
• Head: Has two large, compound eyes and a pair of long, segmented antennae
• Proboscis: Long, needle-like mouthpart that females use for piercing skin and feeding on blood
• Wings: Mosquitoes have a single pair of wings with tiny scales, a distinguishing feature from other flying insects
• Abdomen: Segmented and flexible, allowing female mosquitoes to expand after feeding

Mosquitoes hold their bodies at an angle when resting, with their hind legs often lifted slightly. Unlike some insects that rest flat against a surface, mosquitoes keep their proboscis pointed forward and slightly downward, ready to feed.

Male vs. female mosquitoes

Male and female mosquitoes differ in appearance and behavior, and females are the primary concern for humans due to their blood-feeding habits.

• Mouthparts
  • Males have shorter, weaker proboscises adapted for feeding on nectar and plant sugars. Females have long, sharp proboscises designed for piercing skin and drawing blood.
• Size
  • Males are often smaller and more slender than females. Females, on the other hand, are larger and more robust, as they need extra energy for egg production.

• Diet
  • Males feed exclusively on nectar and plant sugars. Females also consume nectar but require blood meals to develop eggs, making them the primary carriers of mosquito-borne diseases.
• Lifespan
  • Males live only about a week, just long enough to mate. Depending on environmental conditions, females can live several weeks to months.

Common breeds of mosquitoes

Our experts use mosquito identification techniques to distinguish between common species like Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles. The different breeds of mosquitoes vary by region, but several types are common in the U.S., each with distinct traits and risks.

Other mosquito-like insects 

Mosquitoes can be mistaken for several similar insects, but key differences help distinguish them:

• Midges: Smaller than mosquitoes, midges lack a proboscis (long mouthpart) and do not bite. They also tend to swarm in large groups.
• Fungus gnats: Tiny with long legs, fungus gnats have shorter mouthparts and are often found around houseplants, not near people.
• Crane flies: Much larger than mosquitoes, crane flies have long, spindly legs and do not bite or feed on blood. Their wings are also broader.

You can tell mosquitoes apart from their lookalikes by looking at their size, wing shape, mouthparts, and behavior.

Signs of mosquito activity

Mosquitoes are most active in warm temperatures, typically above 50°F, with peak activity in spring and summer. In warmer climates, they can remain active year-round. Signs that these persistent pests are active near you can include:

• Buzzing sounds: High-pitched buzzing near your ears, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water like birdbaths, gutters, and ponds.
• Visible mosquitoes: Swarms or individual mosquitoes hovering in shaded areas or near water sources.
• Bites on skin: Red itchy welts that typically appear on areas where the skin was exposed while outdoors.

How experts identify mosquitoes

Mosquito identification involves examining body size, wing shape, and unique markings under magnification. Experts use a combination of professional techniques to identify mosquito species and assess infestations. This includes:

• Site inspections: Examine breeding areas such as standing water, dense vegetation, and shaded outdoor spaces where mosquitoes rest
• Mosquito traps: Specialized traps, including CO2 and light traps, can help capture adult mosquitoes for identification.
• Physical characteristics: Technicians and researchers can identify mosquitoes based on key traits.
• Larval identification: Water sources are inspected for mosquito larvae, which are examined under magnification to determine species.

Accurate mosquito identification allows our experts to implement targeted treatment strategies for effective mosquito control.

What to do if you identify a mosquito

Accurate mosquito identification is crucial for assessing disease risks and implementing targeted treatments. Western Exterminator offers comprehensive mosquito control solutions to help reduce mosquito populations and protect your outdoor spaces. Our expert technicians use targeted treatments, including EPA-registered barrier sprays, to help eliminate adult mosquitoes and disrupt breeding cycles. 

In addition to professional treatments, you can take steps to help reduce mosquito activity around your home:

• Use insect repellent: Apply EPA-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET.
• Wear protective clothing: Cover exposed skin with long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing.
• Eliminate standing water: Remove or regularly empty items like birdbaths, clogged gutters, flowerpots, and other areas where water collects.
• Maintain landscaping: Keep grass trimmed and bushes well-maintained to reduce mosquito resting areas.

With Western Exterminator’s mosquito control services and these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce mosquito activity in your yard and lower your risk of bites