Common House Mosquito

Where it lives

Cesspits, soakaways, blocked gullies, disused wells and cisterns, ornamental ponds without fish, and any stagnant water rich in organic matter.

Signs

• High-pitched whining at night and bites while asleep
• Mosquitoes resting on ceilings and walls in dark corners during the day
• Larvae hanging at an angle from the surface of stagnant water

Risks

• Vector of West Nile virus in the Mediterranean region
• Disturbed sleep and irritating bites
• Can transmit dog heartworm

Prevention

• Seal and mesh wells, cisterns and cesspit vents
• Keep drains and gullies clear and flowing
• Fit insect screens to bedroom windows

Treatment

Treatment focuses on larval sources: Bti or growth regulator applied to wells, cisterns, cesspits and drains on a monthly cycle through the season, combined with residual treatment of resting sites and screening advice. We map every source on the property so nothing is missed.