Mosquito Control
The Mosquito Control Program is conducted from March through September. The program utilizes integrated pest management practices to ensure effective control with minimal environmental impact. Through monitoring mosquito activity and investigation of complaints, the application of pesticides is reserved for areas where their use is expressly warranted under program guidelines. Alternative control practices such as reduction/control of mosquito breeding areas and public awareness are encouraged to provide long-term control without additional use of chemicals. For more information, call (757) 259-4116 or E-mail wrhall@james-city.va.us.
- Environmental Services Guide
- Methods for Mastering the Mosquito
- Mosquito Health Department News Release
Why Mosquitoes Thrive
All mosquitoes require water for their eggs to hatch and for growth and development into adult flying mosquitoes. After hatching, young mosquitoes pass through four stages of growth as larva until reaching the pupa stage where they are transformed into flying insects. There are many different species of mosquitoes that have adapted to thrive in different types of watery habitats. Salt water, fresh water and polluted water are some types of habitats that are utilized by specific mosquito species. Also, some mosquitoes thrive on container habitats such as old tires, buckets and birdbaths as opposed to other mosquitoes that prefer pools, streams and marshes. The population of summertime mosquitoes is actually a combination of different species that have adapted to thrive in a variety of habitats common to many areas.
Drawing by: Brett Crans
Mosquito Development
- Eggs - 2-3 days
- Larva - 5-14 days
- Pupa - 2-3 days
- Adult - males live 6-7 days; females live 2-16 weeks
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