Insects are thought to be some of the most resilient beings on Earth. Despite their short life spans as adults, many species can live as larvae for many years before maturing into adults. Mosquito lifespans, like other insects, exhibit this same trait.
Mosquito larvae can hatch in less than two days and mature into adult mosquitoes in about 6 weeks. This happens even if they are given food that is not normally available to them.
Wondering how long it will take for that mosquito you saw flying through your living room to die on its own? Then keep reading!
What is the mosquito lifespan?
The average adult mosquito, depending on circumstances, may live up to about 2 to 3 weeks or even longer. Mosquito lifespans can also differ depending on species, environment, and season.
Species
Culex Mosquito (Culex spp.), one common species of mosquitoes found in Singapore, lives for approximately 10 to 60 days. While another prevalent species, the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus), has an average lifespan of 30 to 40 days.
Female mosquitoes typically live longer than the average male of similar species. They can survive a week, while most males can survive for a month.
Environment
The conditions are also a factor that influences how long mosquitoes live. Overall, they can reach the maximum life span of mosquitoes if they are not squashed or killed off by predators first.
The life cycle of a mosquito in a specific area can also get affected by the availability of food sources, temperature, and humidity. This is why controlling these environmental factors is an effective part of mosquito control.
Season
In some regions where the weather changes with the seasons, there’s a misconception that mosquitoes die off during the winter. But the truth is, some species of mosquitoes are capable of going into hibernation, allowing them to survive undetected for up to 6 to 8 months. Those pesky mosquitoes that bugged you in the fall could harass you in the spring.
Read also: 5 Tips for Avoiding Mosquito Bites During the Dengue Season
How long do mosquitoes last indoors?
Mosquitoes that manage to live long enough to breed in the wild typically survive for 2 to 3 weeks. But with ideal conditions. they can survive for up to one month indoors. Due to the absence of natural predators that feed on mosquitoes, indoor environments are more ideal for them.
Inside your house, there are many places where mosquitoes can stay. They can hide in the sink, laundry room. or garage. It also has many food and water sources, such as houseplants, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Can mosquitoes survive without blood?
The answer is yes. Without your blood, mosquitoes can generally survive for 2 to 3 weeks or more in ideal conditions.
Mosquitoes don’t use blood as a source of food. Only female mosquitoes bite humans to consume their blood. However, they do not do it for their survival but their eggs. While they prefer human blood, the blood of other vertebrates will suffice.
For everyday nourishment, a mosquito’s larvae feed on algae and bacteria in water. Adult mosquitoes consume sugar that they get from nectar, plant sap, and fruit juice. So, depriving mosquitoes of your blood will not kill them, only mosquito control can. Yet, this may slow or even stop their reproductive cycle.
How long before mosquito eggs hatched?
Mosquito sprays can kill adult mosquitoes on contact, providing some relief from them. However, if new mosquito problems arise in your home, this is a sign that they were not fully removed as you thought.
A female mosquito can produce as much as 300 eggs. These eggs can get hatched in just around 8 to 10 days and grow into adults.
The common household mosquito typically lays its eggs in stagnant water. You can control their population by getting rid of, or regular cleaning, sources of standing water. Using dunks or larvicide is also an effective method to control them outside of your home. For more effective ways of eliminating mosquitoes, consult an expert in NEA pest control in Singapore.
Read also: How Often Should You Call For Professional Pest Control?
Final Thoughts
Now you know the mosquito lifespan, it’s time to get rid of them effectively and keep them away from your home. Need help with controlling a mosquito infestation? Just call us today at 6970 0205.
