Mosquitos
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In the UK the mosquito is thought of as being a nuisance and is
generally disliked by the public due the effects of its bite, which
interrupts the enjoyment of outdoor activities. As a result of a
bite the skin will redden and may become extremely itchy, in some
cases a severe allergic reaction may occur. It is highly unlikely
that any mosquito found in the UK would transmit disease from
person to person. |
There are around 2000 species of mosquito known to man with a
distribution that spans every continent except Antarctica. Of these
2000 species 32 are known to be present in the UK with biting
species being found on Hayling Island. The majority of the mosquito
sites are on the salt marshes inside the sea wall around the
island. In order to complete its life cycle the mosquito needs a
source of water and so is most likely to be found where water is
present.
Description
The mosquito is around 10mm in length and has a wingspan of
around 20mm. It has a grey/black body, produces a hum when in
flight and has a needle-like point, used for feeding, which extends
from its head. Along with this its 6 long black legs give it a
slender appearance which makes the mosquito easily recognisable.
The male is distinguished from the female by having noticeably
feathery antennae.
Life cycle of the mosquito
In order for the mosquito to progress through its life cycle
it requires the presence of water. Some species of mosquito will
lay eggs in holes in the ground, or on blades of grass. The eggs
will hatch when the water level rises. In the event of a dry period
an egg is able to remain dormant for several years. Other species
of mosquito will lay their eggs directly onto the waters
surface.
After 1 or 2 days the eggs will hatch and the larvae will
emerge and begin to feed on minute particles of plant debris. The
larvae can be seen moving up and down at the surface of the water.
It is at the surface that the larvae breathe.
Around a week to 10 days after the hatching of the eggs, the
larvae will begin to shed their skins. Once the skin has shed four
times the larvae will pupate. The adult mosquito will emerge from
the pupa casing after a further 2 to 3 days.
It is only the female of the species that will bite and suck
blood, the male will feed mostly on plant juices and other liquids.
The male will only live a short life, dying at the onset of winter.
However the female of some species can go into hibernation
throughout the winter months.
Control
Pest control officers regularly treat mosquito-breeding areas
with insecticides throughout the year and have done so since 1921
with the exception of a short break between 1979 and 1983. As well
as using insecticides there are also simple measures which can be
taken, which will help keep numbers down.
As the mosquito lays its eggs in stagnant water simply
draining or filling low spots in the soil, or setting the water in
motion by removing blockages and surface weeds can be an easily
achievable measure in the fight against the mosquito.
What you can do
Fish and other creatures such as water bugs and water beetles
are a preventative measure in stagnant ponds as they feed on the
mosquito eggs and larvae preventing them from entering the pupa
stage.
In many homes the presence of a water butt may encourage
mosquito growth. This can easily be avoided by the addition of
polystyrene beads, which prevent the mosquito laying eggs on the
water. Alternatively, a couple of drops of cooking oil can be
added, which will produce a barrier between the surface of the
water and the air above, causing the larvae to suffocate.
Around the home it may also help to remove water which
collects in trays under plant pots, blocked gutters, low spots or
any other area where water may collect and stagnate.
Remember the mosquito only needs a very small amount of water
to complete its life cycle, so dont forget to empty those plant
pots and watering cans of any excess water.
For additional information on this subject simply type the
words mosquito or mosquito control, into any Internet search
engine.