Mosquito
(Culicidae)
Mosquitoes are fine-grained, slender, 6 to 15 mm large, long-legged insects with a sting or suction trunk. The probes are multi-membered and strongly feathered in the males.
Prevention tips
- Fly screens can prevent the animals from entering
- Tomatoes, basil or catnip in front of the windows as well as a walnut tree in front of the house can keep mosquitoes away
- Outdoors, bright, not too tight-fitting and not too thin long trousers, long-sleeved tops and socks can reduce the risk of stitching
- Eliminate small accumulations of water (possible breeding sites of the larvae) in the surrounding area, e.g. covering rain cans
Diet
Only the females suck blood, which they need for the production and development of their eggs. Both sexes also feed on nectar and plant juices.
The larvae feed on fine decayed organic substances, microorganisms or other insects.
Life
Mosquitoes live in and around the water, especially the elongated larvae live exclusively in the water and usually have a long breathing tube.
Mosquitoes cause damage through their sting, which can cause itching and an allergic reaction. In addition, the saliva can be used to transmit bacteria, viruses, parasites and thus infectious diseases.
Benefits
Mosquitoes are part of food webs and therefore an important food source for birds, fish, bats, reptiles, amphibians, spiders and other insects.
Some species are important pollinators for certain plants.