Are There Mosquitoes in Arizona?
WouterDespite the well-earned reputation of mosquitoes as a nuisance, these tiny insects are responsible for spreading disease in many parts of the world. In Arizona, they carry diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and West Nile Virus.
The first thing to know about mosquitoes is that they have four life stages. The larvae, or young mosquitoes, are smaller than the adult females. They feed on decaying organic matter, and they need water to grow. They also have a siphon at the tail end of their bodies, allowing them to breathe directly.
Besides transmitting disease, mosquitoes are also natural pollinators. They can detect the presence of carbon dioxide, and they can smell chemicals in the sweat of people.
There are a number of ways to prevent mosquitoes. One of the most effective is to use an insect repellent. This can be a DEET-based spray or a product that contains para-menthane-diol.
You can also help protect yourself against mosquitoes by removing stagnant water from your yard. This includes emptying buckets and other containers that hold water on a regular basis. You can also treat your water with larvicides to kill off the larvae.
Another great way to keep yourself safe from mosquitoes is to cover up. If you are outdoors, wear long sleeved shirts that will keep the small portion of your skin away from the mosquito’s bites.
If you are pregnant, you should use an EPA-registered insect repellent. You can also get professional pest control services to prevent mosquitoes from attacking your home.
