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Mosquito on a leaf

FAQs about Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a pesky nuisance that can hinder your enjoyment of the outdoors. These tiny insects can be bothersome due to their itchy bites and their ability to transmit diseases. As with anything, the more you know, the better. Let's address some of the most commonly asked questions about mosquitoes.



  • How long do mosquitoes live?

    • Males live about 10 -20 days, while females can live up to 100 days.


  • How far do mosquitoes fly?

    • They don't typically fly far from their breeding site but can fly about 1-3 miles away when necessary.


  • How fast do mosquitoes fly?

    • They are one of the slowest flying insects at 1-1.5 mph.


  • Do females and males feed on human blood?

    • No. Only females feed on blood. It's required for egg-laying; therefore, male insects do not need it.

  • Why are mosquito bites itchy?

    • When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva into your skin. Your body reacts to the saliva resulting in inflammation and itching area. Continuing to scratch creates the risk of breaking the skin and causing an infection, leading to more itchiness.


  • Why are mosquitoes dangerous?

    • Mosquitoes are known for spreading diseases and viruses. There have been recent outbreaks in many countries worldwide, including the Zika epidemic (2015-2017) and Chikungunya epidemic (2013-2014). West Nile virus is the most common virus spread by mosquitoes in the United States. They can also carry less common viruses, like Eastern equine encephalitis or St. Louis encephalitis.


  • Why are mosquitoes attracted to humans?

    • Mosquitoes pick up on a variety of cues to find their victims. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide you breathe out and the smell of lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia, and other substances you release when you sweat. Mosquitoes can smell their next meal from about 30 feet away.


  • Do lakes breed mosquitoes?

    • If it is a permanent body of water, it is much less likely to be a source of breeding because of the movement in the water.

If you have more questions, don't hesitate to ask. The Nice Guys are here to help you break the life cycle of these fierce fliers. Trust Turf Masters for your professional Mosquito Control Service and enjoy your landscape without the annoyance of pesky mosquitoes.