With all the rain that we have recently been having in the Lehigh Valley, the mosquito population is exploding.

Mosquito females bite people to get vital nutrients from our blood. They then use these nutrients to make their eggs. One single blood meal can give rise to about 100 mosquito eggs that hatch into wiggling larvae.

The mosquito life cycle has four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Some mosquitoes can complete their life cycle (egg to adult) in as little as eight to 10 days under optimal conditions. The overall amount of time to complete their life cycle will depend on the mosquito species, availability of resources, and weather conditions.

The egg, larval, and pupal stages are found in water habitats. To lay their eggs, adult female mosquitoes identify water habitats that contain organic material (decomposing grass, leaves, dirt, etc.) in order to provide immediate nutrition for larval mosquitoes.

Females will lay their eggs in “rafts” (clusters of eggs) or singly on the water surface or areas prone to flooding. Eggs may hatch in two to three days under favorable conditions.

It’s summer, there will be mosquitoes. Eliminate what water you can from your property since some will not fly far from their “place of birth.” Keep in mind, you will never be able to eradicate all mosquitoes. There are some things that you can do to control mosquitoes around your home. Your first line of defense begins at home.

Controlling mosquitoes, and exposure to diseases they may carry, can be done by chemical and non-chemical methods:

• Remove their habitat (where they live and breed). Eliminate standing water in old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed. Tires have become the most important mosquito breeding sites in the United States.

• Clean clogged roof gutters every year, particularly if leaves from surrounding trees tend to plug the drains. Roof gutters are easily overlooked, but they produce millions of mosquitoes each season.

• Empty and change the water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.

• Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt.

• Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating. Mosquitoes may breed in water that collects on swimming pool covers.

• Alter the landscape of your property to eliminate standing water. During warm weather, mosquitoes will breed in any puddle of water.

• Prevent your exposure to mosquitoes. Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely. Use head nets, long sleeves, and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations.

• Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight.”

• Mosquitoes are relatively weak fliers, so placing a large fan on your deck can provide a low-tech solution. Mosquitoes are repelled by high winds, so electric fans may provide some relief at outdoor events. Citronella candles have a mild repellent effect, but do not offer significantly more protection than other candles producing smoke.

• Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening when mosquitoes are most active.

Bug zappers do not kill mosquitoes. They kill a lot of beneficials and incidentals that don’t hurt anybody.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613.