Frequently Asked Questions

While there are many different species of mosquitoes, only a small proportion actually carry West Nile Virus. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

There are many things that attract mosquitoes: colognes, perfumes and scented body lotions can attract mosquitoes. Dark-colored clothing is also more attractive to mosquitoes. During evenings, nighttime and dawn, mosquitoes are most active in searching for blood meals, so people outdoors during that time are more likely to be bitten. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Depending on the species, adult mosquitoes can fly several miles with help from the wind. Culex pipiens has a travel range of up to three miles. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Generally, adult female mosquitoes have a life span of 2 weeks to one month while adult male mosquitoes only live one week but, when conditions are right can be as short as 72 hours. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

A mosquito goes through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. This life cycle, from birth to death, is about one month long. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Eggs are laid in clusters and float on the surface of water. They can be stuck together in rafts of hundreds, or laid separately on water or flooded soil. Most eggs hatch into larvae within 48 hours. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Mosquito larvae live in water from 4 to 14 days depending on the water temperature. They come to the surface frequently to get oxygen. They feed on algae and small organisms living in the water. The larva sheds its skin four times while it grows. After the fourth time, the larva becomes a pupa, the stage before the mosquito becomes an adult. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

The pupal stage is a resting, non-feeding stage. Mosquito pupae must live in water from 1 to 4 days, depending on the species and water temperature. When development is complete, the pupal skin splits and the mosquito emerges as an adult.

The newly emerged adult mosquito rests on the surface of the water for a short time to dry and allow all its parts to harden. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Mosquitoes flutter their wings very fast, some as much as 250 times per second, producing a high-pitched buzz. For more information please call 530-265-1222.