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Mosquitoes

Small biting flies that breed in still water. Beyond itchy bites, some Australian mosquitoes spread viruses such as Ross River virus, so reducing bites and breeding sites matters.

Written by PestMan Editorial TeamTechnical review pendingPublished Updated
Breeds in
Still water, even a bottle cap
Egg to adult
About a week in warm weather
Peak season
Summer, after rain
Health relevance
Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, dengue (north Qld)
Risk level
Moderate

Mosquito identification

How to recognise mosquitoes

  • Slender, long-legged flies about 3–8 mm long with a long piercing mouthpart.
  • Wings have scales along the veins; many species have banded legs.
  • Larvae ("wrigglers") swim in still water and hang at the surface to breathe.

Mosquito overview

Australia has several hundred mosquito species. Common backyard species breed in containers such as pot-plant saucers, blocked gutters and bird baths, while saltmarsh and floodwater species breed in large numbers after tides and heavy rain.

Only female mosquitoes bite; they need blood to develop eggs. Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus are the most commonly reported mosquito-borne diseases in Australia, and dengue-transmitting Aedes aegypti is present in parts of north Queensland.

Behaviour

  • Many species bite most around dawn and dusk; some container-breeding species bite during the day in shade.
  • Females are attracted by carbon dioxide, body heat and skin odour.
  • Numbers typically rise within one to two weeks after rain in warm weather.

Habitat

  • Containers, pot-plant saucers, tyres, blocked gutters, water tanks without screens.
  • Ponds without fish, drains, swamps, saltmarsh and flooded low-lying land.

Lifecycle

  • Egg → larva → pupa → adult. In warm weather the aquatic stages can take about a week.
  • Some species lay eggs above the waterline that survive dry periods and hatch after rain.

Food sources

  • Females feed on blood from people and animals.
  • Both sexes feed on nectar and plant sugars.

Entry points

  • Open doors and windows without screens.
  • Gaps in screens and around air-conditioning units.

Infestation signs

  • Bites, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Larvae visible in containers of water.
  • Mosquitoes resting in dark, sheltered spots such as under furniture and in shrubs.

Health implications

  • Mosquitoes can transmit Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, Murray Valley encephalitis and, in parts of north Queensland, dengue.
  • Dog heartworm is also spread by mosquitoes; ask your vet about prevention.
  • Seek medical advice for fever, rash or joint pain after mosquito exposure.

Prevention

  • Tip out, cover or throw away anything that holds water, and refresh bird baths weekly.
  • Keep gutters clear and screen rainwater tanks.
  • Use fly screens and mosquito nets.
  • Wear loose, light-coloured clothing and use a registered repellent according to the label.

Treatment overview

  • Source reduction (removing breeding water) is the most effective long-term measure around a home.
  • Barrier treatments to vegetation can reduce resting mosquitoes for a period but do not stop mosquitoes arriving from elsewhere.
  • Many councils, including Brisbane City Council, run mosquito-control programs for large breeding areas.
Product safety

If you use any pest product, read the label first and follow it exactly — it is a legal requirement in Australia. Keep products away from children, pets and food areas as the label directs.

Questions about mosquitoes

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Fleas

Tiny, wingless, jumping insects that feed on the blood of pets and people. Most of a flea population lives in carpets, bedding and yards as eggs, larvae and pupae, not on the pet.

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Sources & further reading

PestMan provides general information only and does not replace licensed pest-management, medical, veterinary or structural advice. Always read and follow product labels. Read our disclaimer.