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Mosquitoes of many different species annoy humans with their bites throughout the world. They can transmit diseases such as encephalitis, yellow fever and malaria although some mosquito bites are simple an annoying itching bump. Still caution should be taken, especially if you are in a region where mosquito transmission of disease is known to be prevalent.

Biting mosquito are very small winged insects that can be seen buzzing around the home, garden or yard. They especially prefer wooded areas and are most active and bothersome in the late evening hours through dusk. Bites will typically produce a small bump or welt and there may be blood evident if you have killed a female mosquito that has just fed on your skin. Mosquitoes will attack any warm-blooded animal.

Mosquitoes emerge as adults from hibernation in the springtime once the weather becomes warm. While males feed on honeydew, nectars and the sap of plants, the females require blood meal to produce their eggs. Female mosquitoes will typically lay their eggs in shallow water that can be fresh, stagnant or even salty water. Larvae mature quickly and may emerge within five days in prime conditions. At other times, larvae may not develop into maturity for several months.

Insect repellents are very effect against mosquitoes, and citronella either in the form of sprays, candles or burning incenses are often a good deterrent to mosquitoes. You can keep mosquitoes outdoors by maintaining door and window screens and spraying lawn foundations with either diazinon, chlorypyrifos or malathion containing insecticides. Indoors, mosquitos may be fogged with tetramethrin. To further avoid mosquitos, drain and unnecessary or stagnant water areas around the home. If you have watery areas, you may want to consider stocking ornamental ponds with mosquito fish or goldfish. Both consume mosquito larvae, preventing the bugs from growing to maturity.