Lifecycle of Mosquitoes – Human Hosts

Lifecycle of a Mosquito

Before we can really understand how to control mosquitoes, we must understand their life story. This illustration shows the four life stages of a typical mosquito. Click on any of the four life stages, or one of the mosquitoes’ hosts for more information.

HUMAN HOST Select Play Button
Turn Up Device Volume HUMAN HOST Female mosquitoes generally require a blood meal before eggs can be laid. Mosquitoes feed on birds, pets, wildlife or YOU! Mosquitoes are drawn to body scent and carbon dioxide. Bites become itchy and form a flattened "wheal." A few mosquitoes introduce several kinds of encephalitis and West Nile virus.

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Human Hosts

Female mosquitoes generally require a blood meal before eggs can be laid. Depending on her species, the mosquito adult may feed on birds, pets, wildlife or you. Because of her slender mouth-parts, the female mosquito’s bite is often painless. Mosquitoes are drawn to a combination of our body scents and to the carbon dioxide we exhale.

Shortly after the bite, the spot may become itchy and form a flattened “wheal” or bump, like you see here. A few mosquitoes, unfortunately, introduce disease-causing viruses into the blood during feeding. Mosquito-borne diseases include several kinds of encephalitis and West Nile virus.