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Mosquitoes, those tiny insects that make us uncomfortable, could also lay us open to malaria, dengue and chikungunya. They live in damp areas and reproduce in water.

The life cycle of this bug begins in holes filled with water, tide water pools in salt marshes, sewage effluent ponds, irrigated pastures and rain water ponds.

The four most important species of mosquitoes, namely Aedes, Anopheles, Culex, and Culiseta, each have their own unique environmental requirements and this helps us to identify a particular species too.

It is a good idea to note that all mosquitoes have four distinctive phases, namely the egg, larva, pupa and adult stages, in their life cycle. The eggs are laid in water or on damp surfaces and float on them. In addition, species like Culex and Culiseta lay eggs of 100 or more that are found stuck to each other in the fashion of a raft.

However, Anopheles mosquitoes lay their eggs on water and Aedes are known to lay their eggs usually on damp soil. The eggs take two days to hatch out and metamorphose into the larval stage.

The mosquito larvae, known popularly as wrigglers or wigglers, live in water for a period of a week or two depending on the warmth of the water. The larvae come regularly to the surface of the water to take in oxygen with the help of siphon tunes.

However, species like the Anopheles have no such mechanism and by and large breathe by lying flat on the water. It is interesting to note that mosquito larvae shed their skin four times and after the fourth stage they turn into pupae.

Mosquito pupae, commonly known as “tumblers”, live in water for from one to four days depending mostly on the species and temperature. In this phase, called the resting and non-eating stage in the life cycle, the insect can be observed lying on the surface of water.

In this stage it breathes through its two breathing tubes known as trumpets. This is the important and last stage before the mosquito turns into an adult and begins spreading infection. Once the development is over, the pupa opens and the adult emerges.

When the adult mosquito is formed, it waits on the surface of the water for its skin to dry and harden. After a time, the mosquito is able to spread its wings and fly. It is interesting to remember that adult female mosquitoes are more aggressive than the males that feed only on the nectar of flowers.

Aedes female mosquitoes are known for their sore and persistent bites especially during the daytime and they attack mostly humans. The Culex specie resembles Aedes, However they are known to strike after dusk and have a preference for domestic and wild birds. They transmit encephalitis or sleeping sickness.

The Culiseta species of mosquito is a somewhat aggressive biter that attacks during the evening hours and in the shade. Anopheles mosquitoes are known for passing on malaria in humans.

Lastly, it is a good idea to realise that most female mosquitoes need to feed on an animal before they can produce eggs, with some dying before laying viable eggs.

In addition,some species live near their breeding place while others fly as far as 100 miles from their breeding spot. Male mosquitoes live a shorter life than female mosquitoes.

Owen Jones publishes pieces on various topics, but is now concerned with Hand Held Insect Killer devices and stationary units at Electronic Insect Killers.

Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by mosquito bites that carry a parasite of the genus Plasmodium, is widely common in tropical and subtropical countries in Asia, South and Central America and the Middle East. Malaria is more prevalent in regions with lots of rainfall and constant high temperatures that supply the perfect conditions for bugs to thrive and multiply.

Malarial bouts start with multiplication of the plasmodium virus in the red blood cells and could have long-lasting and even fatal effects.

Malaria starts with headaches, fever and chills and could, in later stages, also lead to coma. Malaria has 3 stages, the first stage starting with fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, anemia, hemoglobinuria, retinal injury and fits.

This could happen for 4 to 6 hours every other day, every three days or it could occur every four days. As the infection progresses into the second stage, one could experience feelings of heat and dryness, while the third stage could cause extreme fatigue and weakness.

It is however worth noting that the first indications happen around 10 to 15 days after the mosquito bite when it multiplies and bursts the red blood cells.

The effects of malaria especially in children must not be overlooked because a bite from this insect could lead to high intracranial pressure that becomes evident as unusual posture caused by severe brain injury.

Malaria caused by mosquito bites could lead to other significant consequences like cognitive impairment, extensive anaemia and neurological damage with cerebral malaria. Cerebral malaria could result in retinal whitening that is the foremost distinguishing clinical sign of malaria.

Malaria caused by mosquitoes could in severe cases show up as an enlarged spleen, chronic headache, clots of blood in the brain, enlarged liver, low blood sugar and hemoglobinuria which could lead to renal failure.

Other significant side effects caused by this mosquito bite disease could be dehydration, liver or kidney failure and breathing issues caused by fluid in the lungs.

Rupture of the spleen may lead to internal bleeding with the spread of infection leading to inflammation of the meninges, or membranes, that surround the brain and spinal cord.

The control of malaria begins with the usage of mosquito nets, the use of insect repellents and the spraying of insecticides in locations where mosquitoes could reproduce easily.

Home pest control starts with not having water standing about in buckets, tubs and the spraying of insecticides in drains which are perfect breeding places for mosquitoes.

Mosquito repellents could be chemical based or could also be in the form of herbal or biological pest control with the planting of mosquito repellent plants in the environment.

It is best to remember that one way of pest control lies in protecting oneself from mosquito bites by avoiding going out at dawn and dusk. It pays to have mosquito mesh on all the doors and windows at home. Avoiding wearing dark colors and opting for long sleeved shirts and long trousers would also help.

Pest control includes using repellents like creams, lotions and electronic devices. It is best to kill mosquitoes by spraying insecticides, but this ought to be done some time before entering the room. Last but not least, avoiding mosquito bites is the most effective pest control each time.

Owen Jones writes pieces on various topics, but is now involved with Hand Held Insect Killer devices and stationary units at Electronic Insect Killers.