Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes transmit malaria throughout the world. Over 500 million people contract malaria each year and over 2 billion people carry the malaria parasite.

Identification

• Small biting flies, with slender bodies and long beaks used to penetrate the skin
• Usually with black, white, or gray markings along the legs and body
• 2 wings that are long and narrow

Environment

• Breed in still, stagnant water
• Can be found in almost every type of landscape on earth except deserts and the arctic

Threats

• Can transmit a range of diseases through their bite
• Most forms of encephalitis are borne by mosquitoes

Treatment

• Professional inspection and treatment is essential
• Must be dealt with at the breeding site
• Areas with stagnant water must be drained or treated with an IGR (IGRs will kill mosquitoes before they become adults)
• Adult mosquitoes can be dealt with via a residual spray applied to their daylight hiding places
• Ongoing maintenance throughout the mosquito season is critical April through October in Georgia