As we approach the height of summer and soak up time outdoors, we are reminded of the familiar buzz and subsequent itch brought by the dreaded mosquito. Aside from the nuisance of their itchy bites, the mosquito is a well-known vector of disease to humans. With scientists working to control mosquito populations in unprecedented ways, the question remains, is there more to the mosquito than their pestilential manner? In this month’s Nature Net News, we will see what lies beneath the metaphorical puddle and how we can deal with the presence of these warm-weather creatures.

Mosquito Life Cycle and Taxonomy

We easily recognize mosquitos with their needle-like mouthpart, splayed legs, and lazy flying style. But did you know that there is not just one species of mosquito? In fact, Wisconsin is home to at least fifty-six species of these insects. Many of these species never bite people, or even mammals. Some specialize on birds or amphibians, while many mammalian-lovers prefer the tasty white-tailed deer. In general, mosquito species can fall into two categories based on their egg-laying habit: those who lay eggs along permanent bodies of water and those who prefer floodwater and rely on precipitation events. In Wisconsin, the Aedes genus of mosquitoes are the most commonly known pests to humans, laying eggs along precipitation-produced standing water. The Culex genus, on the other hand, lays eggs on the edges of permanent bodies of water and carries more concern as a vector of West Nile Virus. 

A type of fly, mosquitoes’ life cycle is made up of four different stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Often associated with wet conditions, mosquitoes lay their eggs on or adjacent to water, which hatch after coming into contact with water. The larvae feed on microorganisms in the water before changing into the pupa stage. The pupae then morph into the adult and develop their flying ability. In the adult stage, only the female mosquito feeds on blood in order to gain energy to produce their eggs. As little as a quarter inch of water is required to support egg development, with eggs able to survive drying out for up to eight months and may even lay dormant for many years until ideal conditions arise.

A Buggy Summer? 

Coming off an unseasonably wet spring and early summer, how bothersome will the mosquitoes be for the rest of the year? After significant droughts last summer, 2023 saw lower-than-usual numbers of mosquito populations. Nuisance mosquitoes tend to be worst around the beginning of July in Wisconsin. With life cycles averaging around two weeks, very soon we will find out if the recent heavy rainfalls have benefitted Wisconsin’s mosquitos. As the effects of climate change increase in severity each year, mosquitoes may serve to gain. More severe rain events and a prolonged growing season means more opportunity for flooded breeding grounds and a longer mosquito season.

Image Source: CDC, 2024. Life Cycle of Aedes Mosquitos.

More Than Bloodsucking

Image Source: Kiley Riffell. A mosquito feeds from a blunt-leaf orchid. Chinook Observer.

As the animal responsible for the most human deaths each year, you may wonder, what good, if any, does the mosquito possess? As it turns out, blood is not the primary food source of mosquitoes, but instead, flower nectar, which means some serve as important nighttime pollinators. In fact, one of Wisconsin’s native orchids, the Blunt Leaved Bog Orchid, Platanthera obtusata, relies on mosquito pollination to reproduce. What’s more, these insects are important food sources throughout their life cycle to other animals like dragonflies, turtles, bats, and birds.

Dealing with Mosquitos

Although insecticide sprays can be effective in controlling mosquito populations, we now understand the negative impact such methods can have on wildlife and people. Luckily, there are safe preventative measures you can take to minimize the mosquito nuisance this summer. 

First and foremost, eliminating breeding opportunities on your property is essential to controlling the local mosquito population. Emptying out any standing water collected in pots, bins, or buckets reduces the possibility of hatching eggs at your home. For any standing water you can’t drain, try adding Bacillus thuringiensis or “Bt”, a natural soil bacterium, to the water to fight mosquito larva development. 

Interested in a chemical-free way to repel mosquitoes? If you’re looking for bug-free experience on your porch, try setting up a few large fans around your sitting area. A strong fan will blow these weak-flying insects off course before they can reach you. For a non-toxic repellent spray, try one with oil of lemon eucalyptus. 

Mosquitoes have many natural predators. Another way to control your mosquito population is by ushering in their natural enemies. Making your home habitable to mosquito-lovers like dragonflies, purple martins and bats is a great way to enlist nature in pest control. Planting native plants will not only invite these creatures to your home but increase biodiversity in general.

For More

• Check out how scientists are working to eradicate the spread of some of the deadliest mosquito-borne diseases in Talya Hackett’s TedEd session.

• Listen to WMDX reflect on the mosquito situation in Wisconsin this year. 
• Learn about the mosquito’s disease carrying ability in a recent Morning Edition from NPR.

In Case You Missed It…

News from Nature Net Members​​

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Madison Parks	Dane County Parks	Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Madison Parks hosts Parks Alive events throughout the summer in local parks to build connection with neighbors, family, and friends while exploring the area’s parks. Stop by for family-friendly activities, music, and free food  in one of Madison’s many beautiful parks.	Stop by Lussier Family Heritage center on July 14th for a free afternoon of hands-on, nature and recreation-based activities. All ages are welcome. Activities include a tree climb, rainfall simulator, and live animals.	Join the celebration of 30 years of children’s environmental education with an open house of food carts, music, fun activities, and community-building. Enjoy a delicious meal from a food cart at prices not seen since the ‘90s!​

For Families:	For Educators:	Upcoming Events:
To keep your family engaged with nature this summer, our 25 Things To Do In Summer blog post offers a diverse array of activities that will keep you curious about the natural world.	Looking for new ways to incorporate nature learning in your classroom? Scan our Workshops for Educators page to find the right training, class, or workshop for you.	Avoid boredom this summer with fun and educational events hosted by our member sites! Check out the Nature Net calendar for a full list of events each month to fit your schedule.

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