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What is the Lifespan of a Mosquito?

A mosquito’s life cycle is quick and short, as these insects only live for about one or two months. During this time, however, mosquitoes are constantly reproducing and growing their population. After the eggs hatch, the larvae turn into pupae and eventually become adults in about 14 days.

From there, the adult mosquitoes will breed and lay eggs to start the cycle over. A mosquito will typically die off when the weather becomes too cold, they are eaten by a predator, or will die naturally in about one to two months.

What is the life cycle of a mosquito?

From the time eggs are laid to when a mosquito becomes an adult, the mosquito life cycle lasts just two weeks. Here are the steps:

  1. Only after feeding can female mosquitoes reproduce and lay their eggs. After feeding, they will lay their eggs on or near stagnant water. 
  2. Within 24 to 72 hours, the eggs will hatch. When the larvae emerge from the eggs, they are typically seen wiggling in the water. The larvae will feed on algae, protozoans, and other organic materials.
  3. After about a week or 10 days, the larvae reach the pupal stage. Instead of feeding, the pupae spend a couple of days at the surface of the water to get used to the air.
  4. About three days after the pupal stage begins, the adult mosquito emerges. Only a day later, the adult mosquitoes are able to breed. Female mosquitoes can reproduce and lay eggs for most of her lifetime. 

What is the Lifespan of a Mosquito?

Male mosquitoes live typically for a week or two. Female mosquitoes, on the other hand, can live for over a month. Mosquito eggs, if they do not hatch, can survive for months at a time before hatching. Although mosquitoes have a relatively short life cycle, their rapid rate of reproduction keeps mosquito populations at a constant during the summer months.

How Do Mosquitoes Die?

Unlike some insects, mosquitoes do not die after they bite someone. A female mosquito will continually feed throughout her lifetime. Mosquitoes typically naturally die after a month or two. Entire populations of mosquitoes die off when the warmer temperatures of spring and summer come to an end. This is because mosquitoes cannot function at temperatures less than 50 degrees. Females can occasionally hibernate, and unhatched eggs can survive the winter.

 

If mosquitoes are being relentless on your property, contact Johnson Pest Control, your local mosquito control experts!

What is the Lifespan of a Mosquito? in Sevierville TN

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