Why Do Mosquitoes Stay Low to the Ground?

Depending on the species, a mosquito may be able to fly up to 25 feet high. However, most of the species that bite humans prefer to stay low to the ground.

A mosquito can travel more than 400 meters in one night. And while that isn’t exactly the longest flight, it is a respectable feat.

Most mosquitoes don’t come out in the daylight. They’re most active at night, when they seek out blood to feed on. They’re also attracted to human sweat, which releases a chemical called octenol. They also lay eggs in leaf piles and damp soil.

In the United States, we’re home to a variety of mosquito species. Some are active during the day, while others prefer the nighttime. Some species are able to fly to high-rise apartments.

A mosquito can fly at a speed of up to a mile per hour, but most of the species we have in the United States prefer to stay low to the ground. They can also breed in kiddie pools.

A mosquito can also hitch a ride on luggage or other equipment. It can also find its way into a home through tiny gaps. Some have even been spotted breeding at 8,000+ feet above sea level in the Himalayas.

A mosquito can travel up to 32 to 64 kilometers (20 to 40 miles) from its breeding grounds. It can also lay its eggs in decaying logs and in stagnant water. Depending on the species, some of them even breed in the walls of water-filled containers.