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

• Mosquitoes are 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 including Zika Virus

• 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 March through October in Georgia