Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes (family Culicidae) are blood-feeding insects considered the deadliest animals in the world due to the diseases they transmit. In Mexico, the most important species are Aedes aegypti (vector of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya) and Culex quinquefasciatus (vector of West Nile virus).

Identification

• Size: From 3 to 6 mm.
• Color: Dark with white markings on legs and body (Aedes aegypti).
• Mouthparts: Long proboscis for piercing skin and sucking blood.
• Wings: Produce the characteristic buzzing sound in flight.
• Breeding habitat: Standing water: flower pots, tires, containers, clogged gutters.
• Activity: Aedes aegypti bites during the day; Culex spp. are more active at dusk and night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do mosquitoes bite some people more than others? Mosquitoes are guided by exhaled CO₂, body temperature, lactic acid, and certain chemical compounds on the skin. People with higher emissions of these compounds are more attractive.

Do only females bite? Yes, only females feed on blood because they need the proteins to develop their eggs. Males feed on nectar.

Hazards

Mosquitoes are vectors of serious diseases: dengue, Zika, chikungunya, yellow fever, malaria, and West Nile virus. In Mexico, dengue represents a recurring public health emergency, with thousands of cases reported annually, especially in tropical and subtropical areas.

Control and Prevention

• Breeding site elimination: Empty, overturn, or cover any container that collects water.
• Physical barriers: Mosquito nets on windows and doors.
• Larvicides: Application in water bodies that cannot be eliminated.
• Fogging: Thermal fogging and ULV fogging for adult control in large areas.
• Professional control: Breeding site inspection, larvicide and adulticide application, and continuous monitoring.