Anopheles Mosquitoes: Identification and Control

Anopheles mosquitoes are the one’s that spread malaria. Hence, this is an important mosquito species to know about.

If you want to avoid mosquito bites and protect your space-

• Know what Anopheles mosquitoes look like!
• Understand when and how they are most active!
• And learn simple steps to control or reduce their numbers!

Not a pest control expert?, donot worry! Just knowing a bit about these mosquitoes can go a long way in keeping yourself and your family safe.

This blog will help you understand anopheles malaria mosquito patterns in depth, covering their appearance, habits, what they eat, the life cycle of anopheles mosquito, and practical tips for how to get rid of anopheles mosquito.

A Few Facts About Anopheles Mosquitoes-

• Anopheles mosquitoes do not just cause malaria but are also responsible for causing other diseases like encephalitis, and more.They are easy to identify.
• They lay their eggs in clean, and still water.
• These mosquitoes are highly flexible.
• Only female anopheles mosquitoes bite, and after a blood meal, they can lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime.

What Anopheles Mosquitoes Look Like (Appearance, Color, and Size)

Anopheles mosquitoes are easy to spot. They are medium-sized and usually light brown in color. One thing that makes them stand out is their wings. They’re fully covered in brown scales and often have four dark spots. Anopheles wings don’t have shiny copper-colored tips.

1. Female Anopheles mosquitoes- These are about 5 mm long, which is about the length of a grain of rice. Their wings are just about the same size.
2. Male Anopheles mosquitoes- They are a little bigger, around 5.5 mm, and they have big, fluffy antennae that look like tiny feathers — that’s how you can tell them apart.

Spot The Anopheles Mosquito via its Posture!

Anopheles mosquitoes reveal themselves through their angled position while resting. Anopheles mosquitoes hold different body positions than other mosquitoes because they elevate their bodies instead of resting flat.

Do Anopheles Mosquitoes Bite?

Only the female Anopheles mosquito bites. Female Anopheles malaria mosquitoes need a blood meal to lay eggs. They bite during the night. However, males of this species do not bite. They consume plant juices and nectar. Although both sexes get their energy from plant nectar, only females have the unique mouthparts required to bite human or animal skin and obtain blood.

Anopheles mosquito larvae obtain their sustenance from the organic substances together with algae and microorganisms that exist in their aquatic birth habitat. Pupal form consumes no food since it exists in a period of suspension which leads to adult metamorphosis.

Life Cycle of Anopheles Mosquito

Anopheles mosquito is a Malaria causing mosquito.  These are dark brown or black in colour. Malaria mosquito’s stomach points upward. You can find Anopheles mosquitoes almost everywhere in the world but they are not a major threat in the U.S.

Fun Fact- Malaria mosquitoes can lay their eggs in many different places. Female anopheles have the ability to lay thousands of eggs during their entire life.

The life cycle of anopheles mosquito

1. Stage 1 (Egg): Females lay 50–200 eggs each time on a moist surface. The eggs float and hatch within 2–3 days in warm conditions.
2. Stage 2 (Larva): Larvae live in water, floating parallel to the surface, and feed on organic particles. They shed four times before turning into pupae.
3. Stage 3 (Pupa): Pupae remain in water but do not feed. After a few days, the adult mosquito appears.
4. Stage 4 (Adult): Adults mate soon after emerging. Females take blood meals to produce eggs, while males feed on nectar.
5. The life cycle of anopheles mosquito can take around 9 to 20 days. It depends on the weather.

How to Get Rid of Anopheles Mosquito-

1. Immediately get rid of Still and Standing Water at your place – Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Hence, keep gutters and drains clean.

3. Clean your Yard Regularly – Cut the grass and trim bushes frequently because these are the places where the mosquitoes rest.

4. Natural Methods that can help-

• Use outdoor fans.
• Plant mosquito fighting plants in your backyard.
• Make use of mosquito traps.

5.Professional Pest Control Service- In case mosquitoes are still bothering you, it is advisable to call a pest control professional to help you with some targeted treatments.

Final thoughts

The malaria causing mosquito is a pest and public health concern in the U.S. Therefore, knowing their appearance, understanding their habits, and knowing how to get rid of them is an important step for your own health and safety.