How Long Do Small Mosquitoes Live?
WouterDepending on the species, small mosquitoes can live anywhere from a few days to months. Female mosquitoes are generally the longest lived. They can last for as long as two months if they live in a warm humid climate. The longer a female mosquito survives, the more eggs she can lay.
For males, life span is generally less than a week. They live primarily off of nectar, sugary sources from flowers and plants. They lack a long proboscis to feed on blood.
Female mosquitoes lay eggs on wet surfaces in areas that are prone to flooding. They can lay anywhere from one hundred to more than three hundred eggs. The eggs are white when first laid, and will turn to near black within a day.
Female mosquitoes lay a few eggs at a time, which means that the life cycle of a mosquito can be as short as one week, or as long as two months. They lay between 100 and 200 eggs in water.
Mosquitoes also feed on other organisms, such as protozoans. The larvae eat the microorganisms, while the pupae eat algae. The larvae molt several times before they reach their adult state.
Mosquitoes can also be found in attics, where they live for up to six months. There are several ways to get rid of mosquitoes, from spraying insecticides to using homemade mosquito traps.
Although they don’t live very long, mosquitoes can be a nuisance. To combat the problem, many communities spray pesticides in areas where they breed. They also use natural repellents, such as tea tree oil and soap.
