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Mosquitoes, those tiny insects that make us uncomfortable, could also lay us open to malaria, dengue and chikungunya. They live in damp areas and reproduce in water.

The life cycle of this bug begins in holes filled with water, tide water pools in salt marshes, sewage effluent ponds, irrigated pastures and rain water ponds.

The four most important species of mosquitoes, namely Aedes, Anopheles, Culex, and Culiseta, each have their own unique environmental requirements and this helps us to identify a particular species too.

It is a good idea to remember that all mosquitoes have four distinctive phases, namely the egg, larva, pupa and adult stages, in their life cycle. The eggs are laid in water or on damp surfaces and float on them. In addition, species like Culex and Culiseta lay eggs of 100 or more that are found stuck to each other in the fashion of a raft.

However, Anopheles mosquitoes lay their eggs on water and Aedes are known to lay their eggs usually on damp soil. The eggs take two days to hatch out and metamorphose into the larval stage.

The mosquito larvae, known commonly as wrigglers or wigglers, live in water for a period of a week or two depending on the temperature of the water. The larvae come regularly to the surface of the water to take in oxygen with the help of siphon tunes.

However, species like the Anopheles have no such body parts and generally breathe by lying flat on the water. It is interesting to note that mosquito larvae shed their skin four times and after the fourth stage they metamorphose into pupae.

Mosquito pupae, frequently known as “tumblers”, live in water for from one to four days depending mostly on the species and temperature. In this stage, known as the resting or non-eating stage in the life cycle, the insect can be seen lying on the surface of water.

In this phase it breathes through its two breathing tubes called trumpets. This is the important and last stage before the mosquito changes into an adult and begins spreading infection. Once the stage is over, the pupa opens and the adult emerges.

When the adult mosquito is formed, it rests on the surface of the water until its skin is dry and hard. After a while, the mosquito is able to spread its wings and fly away. It is interesting to remember that adult female mosquitoes are more aggressive than the males that feed only on the nectar of flowers.

Aedes female mosquitoes are known for their painful and enduring bites particularly during the daytime and they attack mostly humans. The Culex specie looks like the Aedes, However they are known to bite after dusk and have a preference for domestic and wild birds. They spread encephalitis and sleeping sickness.

The Culiseta mosquito is a somewhat aggressive biter that strikes during evening hours and in shade. Anopheles mosquitoes are known for passing on malaria in humans.

Ultimately, it is a good idea to know that most female mosquitoes have to feed on an animal before they can produce eggs, with some dying before laying viable eggs.

Furthermore,some species live near their breeding place while others fly as far as 100 miles from their breeding spot. Male mosquitoes have a shorter life span than female mosquitoes.

Owen Jones publishes articles on various topics, but is currently involved with Hand Held Insect Killer devices and stationary units at Electronic Insect Killers.

Malaria, a mosquito-borne sickness caused by mosquito bites that carry a parasite of the genus Plasmodium, is widely prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries in Asia, South and Central America and the Middle East. Malaria is more widespread in areas with lots of rainfall and constant high temperatures that provide the perfect conditions for bugs to thrive and multiply.

Malarial bouts start with multiplication of the plasmodium virus in the red blood cells and could have long-lasting and even fatal effects.

Malaria begins with headaches, fever and chills and could, in subsequent stages, also lead to coma. Malaria has 3 stages, the first stage beginning with fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, anemia, hemoglobinuria, retinal injury and fits.

This could happen for 4 to 6 hours every other day, every three days or could happen every four days. As the infection progresses into the second stage, one could experience feelings of heat and dryness, while the third stage could result in extreme fatigue and weakness.

It is however worth noting that the first indications occur about 10 to 15 days after the mosquito bite when it multiplies and bursts the red blood cells.

The effects of malaria especially in children may not be overlooked because a bite from this insect can lead to high intracranial pressure that becomes evident as abnormal posture caused by acute brain damage.

Malaria caused by mosquito bites could lead to other significant consequences like cognitive impairment, widespread anaemia and neurological damage with cerebral malaria. Cerebral malaria could cause retinal whitening that is the most distinguishing clinical sign of malaria.

Malaria caused by mosquitoes could in severe cases exhibit itself as an enlarged spleen, chronic headache, clots of blood in the brain, enlarged liver, low blood sugar and hemoglobinuria which could lead to renal failure.

Other significant side effects caused by this mosquito bite disease could be dehydration, liver or kidney failure and breathing issues caused by fluid in the lungs.

Rupture of the spleen might lead to internal bleeding with the spread of infection leading to inflammation of the meninges, or membranes, that encase the brain and spinal cord.

The control of malaria starts with the use of mosquito nets, the use of insect repellents and the spraying of insecticides in places where mosquitoes could breed easily.

Home pest control starts with not having water standing about in buckets, tubs and the spraying of insecticides in drains which are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Mosquito repellents might be chemical based or could also be in the form of herbal or biological pest control with the planting of mosquito repellent plants in the surroundings.

It is best to note that one way of pest control lies in protecting oneself from mosquito bites by avoiding going out at dawn and dusk. It pays to have mosquito mesh on all the doors and windows at home. Avoiding wearing dark colors and opting for long sleeved shirts and long trousers would also help.

Pest control includes using repellents like creams, lotions and electronic devices. It is best to kill mosquitoes by spraying insecticides, but this should be done some time before entering the room. Last but not least, preventing mosquito bites is the most effective pest control every time.

Owen Jones publishes articles on several subjects, but is currently concerned with Hand Held Insect Killer devices and static units at Electronic Insect Killers.