The eggs hatch into larvae, worm-like organisms that develop in water. The larvae mature in about eight days, depending on the temperature and species. After this, they enter a dormant pupa stage and later emerge as adult mosquitoes. In their quest for blood, mosquitoes may bite birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals, including people.
Blood Meal
A day or so after emerging as an adult, the female mosquito flies off searching for a blood meal. She homes in on body warmth, odor, moisture and the carbon dioxide we exhale. When she bites, the female injects a bit of saliva that slows coagulation so blood flows freely. It's your body's reaction that causes the welt and itch later on. Mosquitoes also transmit heart worms, which can be fatal to dogs.
Breeding Areas & Control
York County has 43,000 acres of water, encompassing woodland pools and marshes coupled with many miles of drainage ditches that enable mosquito breeding. To protect the health and welfare of our citizens from potential mosquito borne diseases an Integrated Mosquito Management Program is utilized.
Under the proper conditions mosquito populations can increase greatly. When this occurs, we endeavor to treat standing water with a biological insecticide. If mosquito populations continue to rise, spray trucks are dispatched in the evening when weather permits. When a serious mosquito infestation is imminent, arrangements may be made for an aerial spray flight.
All applications are undertaken by licensed personnel using only EPA registered insecticides. We strive to use the least toxic pesticides available for their prevention.