Mosquito Control Information & FAQs

Mosquito Control Information:

Mosquito Breeding Habits

Mosquitoes are tied to water where their young develop. The critical thing is that the water remains standing long enough for the larvae to complete their development. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on the water surface as well as on the ground next to the water. Common breeding areas include bird baths, old tires, rain barrels, streams, ponds, ditches, woodland pools, outdoor tubs, unused swimming pools, tree holes, flower pots, vases, roof gutters, sewage and industrial waste ponds, over irrigated or poorly leveled yards and pastures, or any other area or container where water collects and remains for periods of time.

• Mosquitoes can travel up to 5 miles.
• Mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus and Equine Virus.
• Sprays generally target adult stages of mosquitoes.

Mosquito eggs are hardy and manage to live under almost all conditions, therefore, many species overwinter as eggs, others as larvae or adults. In warmer regions, breeding occurs year-around. The eggs hatch and become mosquito larvae which swim around eating and growing. In about a week they become full-grown mosquitoes and fly out of the water looking for someone to bite and then reproduce.

Biological Mosquito Control

"Bti", Bacillus thuringienis israelensis, is a bacterium which infects and kills mosquito larvae. These bacteria are highly selective, killing only mosquitoes and their close relatives like gnats and black flies. Formulations of Bti will only kill these types of insects and do not harm other kinds of insects, fish, birds, worms or mammals. Our Bti products include the Mosquito Bits, Mosquito Dunks, and Aquabac®.

• Bti is harmless to other wildlife.
• Easy to apply!
• Effective within 24 hours.
• May be applied pre-flood.

When Bti are eaten by the mosquito larvae, they damage the gut cells and quickly paralyze them, then kill the larvae quickly and efficiently. A moderate to heavy dose has been shown to reduce the mosquito population by one half in 15 minutes and the rest within one hour.

Bti can be broadcast by hand. For larger applications and municipalities call for quotes.