Mosquitoes

The mosquito is a member of the insect family Culicidae, along with midges and gnats. The adult female mosquito needs blood for the development of her eggs, and is a particularly bothersome pest in many areas during warmer weather. In many areas of the world the mosquito spreads diseases and parasites such as yellow fever, dengue fever and malaria, making the mosquito a life threatening pest. Adult females lay their eggs in standing water, such as guttering, flower pot saucers, puddles and drains. After 5 to 14 days, the egg develops into an adult mosquito and the life cycle repeats.

If mosquitoes are present in the house or garden it is prudent to attempt to eliminate all potential breeding sites by ensuring that all guttering and drains are clean and working correctly, and that no water collects in buckets, pots or other objects around the house. If mosquitoes persist, their effect can be minimised through the use of barriers (nets, screens and protective clothing), repellents (sprays and creams) or traps.