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Mosquitoes

Culicidae family

Updated May 2026 · Boise, ID

Mosquitoes are small, slender flies, about 3 to 6mm long, with long legs and a needle-like proboscis. Only the females bite. They need blood to develop eggs, and they zero in on you using CO2, body he...

Quick Facts

Size3-6mm long
ColorGray to brown
Lifespan2 weeks to several months
Active SeasonsSpring, Summer, Fall
Common LocationsStanding water, Yards, Near wetlands

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Identification

How to Identify Mosquitoes

Quick Answer

Mosquitoes are small, slender flies, about 3 to 6mm long, with long legs and a needle-like proboscis. Only the females bite.

Mosquitoes are small, slender flies, about 3 to 6mm long, with long legs and a needle-like proboscis. Only the females bite. They need blood to develop eggs, and they zero in on you using CO2, body heat, and skin odor. Some species hunt at dawn and dusk; others stay active through the day.

Mosquitoes - showing key features for identification
Behavior

Mosquitoes Behavior & Habits

Understanding how mosquitoes behave helps prevent infestations

Signs You Have Mosquitoes

What homeowners spot first

  1. Mosquito bites after outdoor activity
  2. Buzzing around face and ears
  3. Standing water on property
  4. Mosquitoes swarming at dusk
  5. Larvae wiggling in standing water

After a blood meal, females lay eggs in any pool of standing water they can find. We're talking ponds, clogged gutters, kid wading pools, even an old bottle cap holding rainwater. Males don't bite at all and feed on flower nectar. Larvae develop from egg to adult in as little as a week once summer heat sets in, which is why backyard populations explode after every irrigation cycle.

Dangers

Mosquitoes Risks & Dangers

What mosquitoes can do to your health and property

Health Risks

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on earth, transmitting diseases including West Nile virus, Zika, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and others. In Idaho, West Nile virus is the primary concern. Bites also cause itchy welts and allergic reactions in some people.

Property Damage

No property damage, but heavy mosquito populations dramatically reduce outdoor quality of life.

Warning Signs

Signs of Mosquitoes Infestation

Look for these indicators in your home

Mosquito bites after outdoor activity
Buzzing around face and ears
Standing water on property
Mosquitoes swarming at dusk
Larvae wiggling in standing water

Mosquitoes in Boise & the Treasure Valley

Our heaviest mosquito calls come from late June through early September across Garden City greenbelt lots, the Boise River corridor through the North End and East End, and irrigation-canal neighborhoods in south Meridian and Eagle Island. Anywhere flood irrigation pools water in a Treasure Valley backyard, populations spike within a week. West Nile virus turns up in Idaho mosquito traps most summers, so we treat barrier service as a real health step for families with kids and dogs outside.

Our Solution

How We Eliminate Mosquitoes

Professional treatment for complete elimination

We work three angles at once: clearing standing water where eggs land, treating water that can't be drained with larvicide, and fogging the shaded vegetation where adult mosquitoes rest during the day. Monthly barrier service from May through September is what keeps the backyard usable, and the $49 initial knockdown drops the population fast.

Prevention

How to Prevent Mosquitoes

Steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation

1
Eliminate all standing water weekly
2
Clean gutters and birdbaths
3
Stock ponds with mosquito fish
4
Maintain pool chemistry
5
Use screens on windows and doors
6
Schedule professional barrier treatments
FAQ

Mosquitoes Questions Answered

Common questions about identification, prevention, and treatment

Why do mosquitoes bite some people more than others?

Mosquitoes are attracted to specific CO2 output, body heat, and skin bacteria. Blood type, pregnancy, alcohol consumption, and even clothing color can affect attractiveness to mosquitoes.

How long does mosquito treatment last?

Barrier treatments typically last 3 to 4 weeks depending on weather and how much shade your yard holds. Monthly service from May through September gives you the most reliable protection for backyard time.

Is mosquito treatment safe for kids and pets?

Yes. We use organic-based, hospital-grade products on mosquito barriers, the same kind of formulations used in hospitals and daycares. Treated areas are safe for kids and pets once dry, usually 30 to 60 minutes. We always give you a heads-up window before service so you can plan around it.

Related

Similar Pests

Learn about other pests in this category

Read Next

Related Guides

Expert articles related to mosquitoes in Idaho

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