Purdue University
Cooperative Extension Service
Department of Entomology
Publication E-26
March 1974

MOSQUITO CONTROL
Darryl P. Sanders, Extension Entomologist

About 50 species of mosquitoes occur in Indiana. Usually only two or three of these are present at any one place or time in large enough numbers to be of importance. Only the female is a blood feeder. Warm-blooded animals are preferred by most mosquitoes although some will take blood from cold-blooded animals.
The need for mosquito control is primarily because of the general annoyance and sometime secondary reaction to the mosquito bite. Another important consideration is the possibility of mosquito transmission of various diseases such as encephalitis even though the incidence of such is relatively low.

WHERE DO MOSQUITOES COME FROM?
Mosquitoes always develop in water, but the type of breeding place varies with species of mosquito. Common breeding places are flood waters, woodland pools and slowly moving streams and ditches, marshes, ponds and around the edges of lakes. They may also develop in tree cavities, rain barrels, fish ponds, bird baths, old tires, tin cans, catch basins -- in other words, any container that holds water.

HOW DO MOSQUITOES DEVELOP?
Mosquitoes lay eggs on the surface of water or in low places where water is likely to accumulate. The eggs may hatch in less than 3 days or when flooding occurs. The larvae, commonly called "wiggle-tails," mature in 7 to 10 days and change into a pupa or "tumbler" stage.
Two or 3 days later, adult mosquitoes emerge. Each female then lays 100 to 400 or more eggs. The entire life cycle may be completed in as few as 10 days.

WHAT STEPS CAN THE COMMUNITY TAKE?
A necessary prerequisite to any community mosquito control program is a survey (1) to determine the species of mosquitoes causing trouble and (2) to locate their breeding places. Such a survey is
the basis for determining how much material, labor and money is needed to complete the program. Those qualified to conduct this type of survey are seldom available in smaller cities, but professional services can be obtained from Extension Entomologists at Purdue University or from the Indiana State Board of Health.

NONCHEMICAL CONTROL
Elimination of mosquito breeding sites is the most permanent and thus the most desirable method of mosquito control. Such control may be accomplished by any combination of the following practices.
1.	Ditch and clean stagnant streams to insure a continuous flow of water and to eliminate border vegetation which produces the desired location for mosquito larvae to develop.
2.	Drain or fill back-water pools and swamps where stagnant water accumulates. Sanitary landfills can often be used in such locations with resulting mosquito breeding site elimination and improved value of the land.