Mosquitoes are present almost in every part of the world. They can survive in different conditions and habitats. These are considered to be the most disgusting creatures due to several mosquito-borne diseases spread by them. However, mosquitoes live and benefit the ecosystem in many ways.
In this article, we shall focus on the what is life cycle of mosquito and their various benefits to multiple ecosystems. Mosquitoes are highly known for their annoying itchy bites and rashes. They are feared by humans because they are responsible for many deadly diseases.They spread Dengue, West Nile Virus, Zika, Chikungunya Virus, Malaria, and more…
The life cycle of mosquito:
The different stages of a mosquito’s life cycle help humans to plan how to drive mosquito away from their homes and environment. Different stages have respective pesticides and a perfect time to use them. Most species of mosquito follow the same life cycle. Let’s understand these in detail…
A mosquito’s life cycle consists of four main stages:
- Mosquito eggs:
Mosquito usually lay on the surface of the water or where they find dirty or muddy water. Mosquito can lay up to 100 eggs at once. These eggs hatch only when they are exposed to water. Thus, the mosquitoes are habitual of laying eggs near water bodies only. The mosquito eggs stick to each other to form a raft. However, the independent eggs float on the surface of the water individually. It takes about 24 to 48 hours for the eggs to hatch and generate larvae.
- Larvae:
The development stage of Larvae takes up to 7 days to complete successfully. Mosquito need food and good climatic conditions during the Larvae stage. Larvae are commonly referred to as ‘Wigglers’. Most Larvae hang upside down and breathe through a tube called a siphon. Since the Larvae are in the development stage, it has limited mobility and thus, it survives on salamanders, frogs, fish, etc… Some Larvae feast on decayed leaves, organic matter, and other microorganisms. The process of digesting decayed leaves and excreting nitrogen helps in plant growth.
- Pupae/Pupa:
Mosquito grow and molt in the Larvae stage up to four times before they change into pupae. Some people recognize pupae as pupa or tumblers. It is because the tumblers grow a tail that helps them properly through the water. When the mosquito reaches the pupa stage, it stops feeding habits. At the same time, they continue to rest during their metamorphosis. It takes about two days for the pupa to emerge and transform into adult mosquitoes.
- Adult mosquito:
When the mosquito is fully formed, it flies away! This is the stage when a mosquito needs nectar to survive. They take nectar from fruits, plants, flowers, and other microorganisms. Mosquitoes are known as useful pollinators. Thus, when you see a flower bloom to its fullest, it could be due to a mosquito around.
During the fourth stage, a mosquito’s wings are dried and spread out before they are ready to fly. The stages in a mosquito’s life cycle also depend on species to species and other climatic conditions. For instance, some mosquito go through the life cycle in 14 days whereas some take 4 or a month to go through their entire life cycle.
Benefits of reproduction:
Female mosquito are the main beings for reproduction. They are the ones who feast on human blood. Female mosquito suck human blood as the main source of protein that helps them in egg development. A female mosquito is also known to lay eggs up to three times in its entire life. These mosquito feed on multiple animals and humans to lay eggs through each cycle.
It is this way when they get infected and pass the infections to humans. These viruses turn into deadly diseases as most of us know. The viruses that mosquito carry are known to have adverse effects on people and the ecosystems of animals.
How to protect self from the complete mosquito cycle:
Mosquito repellent and mosquito net are the safest and most effective ways to protect self from mosquito bites. These also help to get rid of mosquito from the house. Advanced mosquito repellents are safe on the skin and do not cause any annoying reactions on regular usage.
You may also follow some home remedies that have proven to protect humans from life-threatening mosquito-borne viruses such as malaria, chikungunya, dengue, and more…
How to keep mosquito away from entering the house:
As soon as the mosquito completes its life cycle, it will try to enter your house. Regardless of the species and gender of mosquito, they love to find new homes. These tips will help you to drive mosquito away from inside the house.
- Patch the tiny gaps between doors and windows:
Mosquitoes are tiny and thus they make ways to enter the house through tiny gaps and holes they find in house windows and doors. You must cover these gaps by adding mosquito nets, grills, and wire mosquito mesh as suitable to drive mosquito away.
- Get Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant at home:
Basil is known as a natural mosquito repellent. Thus, setting it up around the house helps to kill the larvae and dive adult mosquitoes away. Tulsi plant has many divine benefits as well.
- Make garlic powder spray:
Garlic has a strong aroma and this could be very annoying for the mosquito. Boil a few crushed garlic cloves in water and make a mixture. Spray the potion all over the house and this will help you to make mosquitoes run out of your house.
- Use burnt rosemary:
Burn some rosemary in the house. The smell of burnt rosemary can drive mosquito away. Rosemary also has various spiritual benefits of keeping allergies, infections, and viruses away.
- Burn camphor inside the house:
Burning camphor inside the house can also help drive away from the mosquitoes in no time. Burn camphor inside a closed room and leave the room closed for half an hour to enjoy effective and long-lasting results.