The length of the mosquito breeding cycle varies by species, but mosquitoes generally need 10 to 14 days to develop in standing water. Insect control authorities often recommend dumping any standing water at least once a week. Preventing mosquitoes from breeding not only reduces the nuisance of being buzzed and bitten by these pests, but it also can help protect you and your household from mosquito-borne diseases such as the West Nile virus.
Breeding Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes, especially those species known to transmit the West Nile virus, prefer stagnant water for breeding. Adding a pump to water features such as a water garden keeps the water flowing and makes it unattractive to breeding mosquitoes. Some mosquitoes that bite after sunset breed in puddles and roadside ditches and can reach maturity within seven days. If the water stands more than a week, you could end up with these evening blood-suckers, the Virginia Department of Health reports. Eliminate sources of standing water on your property and change the water in animal dishes and bird baths often to help reduce the number of maturing mosquitoes.
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Writer Bio
Gryphon Adams began publishing in 1985. He contributed to the "San Francisco Chronicle" and "Dark Voices." Adams writes about a variety of topics, including teaching, floral design, landscaping and home furnishings. Adams is a certified health educator and a massage practitioner. He received his Master of Fine Arts at San Francisco State University.
