Mosquito Information

Basic Facts

Home Range

Asian Tiger Mosquitoes are limited to a flight range of about 300 feet from their breeding ground while most other species have a home range of 1 to 3 miles from their breeding ground.

Life Span

Male mosquitoes live for 10 to 20 days, but most adult females can live up to 100 days.

Development

Mosquitoes only take 4 to 7 days to develop from an egg to adulthood. This means that breeding grounds only need to be present for a week for mosquito eggs to hatch.

More Information

Breeding Grounds

Mosquitoes can breed anywhere there is standing or stagnant water. Any of these potential breeding grounds can be found in your backyard:

  • Bird Baths / Pet Water Dishes
  • Clogged Rain Gutters
  • Flower Pots / Planter Boxes
  • Old Tires
  • Outdoor Pipes and Hoses
  • Stagnant Swimming Pools
  • Tarps
  • Toys
  • Uncovered Trash Cans

Fact Sheets

Prevention & Protection

Insect Repellant

DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) concentrations in products can range from 5% to 100%. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), "Products with <10% active ingredient may offer only limited protection, often 1 - 2 hours...Studies suggest that concentrations of DEET above approximately 50% do not offer marked increase in protection time against mosquitoes; DEET efficacy tends to plateau at a concentration of approximately 50%." CDC Travel Protection Guide

Other Options

For more information about bug-zappers, ultrasonic devices, mosquito traps, citronella candles, and other alternatives, please visit Mosquito Facts.


Disease Fact Sheets

West Nile:

Chikungunya:

Full lists of mosquito-borne diseases:

Maryland Mosquito Control Program

Maryland Department of Agriculture