Information about the mosquito life cycle is an important thing that you need to know. Although it seems trivial, this is good for you to understand as a preventive measure against the risk of transmitting various types of diseases through mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes are one type of insect that can be an intermediary for various types of diseases, ranging from dengue fever (DHF), chikungunya, malaria, elephantiasis, to Zika. Various types of viruses and parasites that cause these diseases can enter the human body through their bites.
Getting to Know the Mosquito Life Cycle
There are various types of mosquitoes and each type can carry different diseases. For example, dengue, chikungunya, and zika diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes Aedes aegypti. Meanwhile, malaria and elephantiasis are transmitted by mosquito species Anopheles.
However, the two types of mosquitoes have similar life cycles to each other. The following is the mosquito life cycle:
1. Eggs
The mosquito life cycle begins with the mosquito eggs released by adult female mosquitoes. An adult female mosquito can lay up to 100 eggs at a time. These mosquitoes usually like to lay their eggs in watery places, such as used tubs, tires or buckets, or flower pots where the water is rarely changed.
Mosquito eggs can survive up to about 8 months in a dry environment. However, on average, mosquito eggs can hatch into mosquito larvae or larvae in approximately 24-48 hours. The length of time for mosquito eggs to hatch depends on the temperature of the water and the environment in which the mosquitoes lay their eggs.
2. Mosquito larvae or larvae
Mosquito larvae look like tiny caterpillars in water. The average size of mosquito larvae ranges from 1–1.5 cm. Mosquito larvae can swim in water, but will occasionally swim to the surface to breathe.
Mosquito larvae or larvae get their food intake from microorganisms or food debris in the water. Mosquito larvae can molt several times before turning into pupae.
3. Pupae
Mosquito pupae or cocoons can be recognized by their curved shape. Mosquito pupae will generally look a little similar to larvae, but the size of the head is larger and rounder. Mosquito pupae usually float on the surface of the water.
The mosquito life cycle is the last phase that occurs in water. The pupa will usually survive in the water for about 1-4 days, then develop into an adult mosquito.
4. Adult Mosquito
After becoming adults, mosquitoes will fly and leave the water. Male mosquitoes will survive by consuming flower nectar, while female mosquitoes will suck the blood of humans and animals to live and lay eggs.
When sucking blood, mosquitoes will pierce the skin and inject their saliva into the human bloodstream. When the skin is bitten, the human immune system will work to eradicate mosquito saliva which is considered a foreign object.
That is why mosquito bites can cause reactions in the form of itchy skin, swelling, and bumps. In addition to producing a mild allergic reaction, mosquito bites can also transmit various diseases due to the entry of viruses or parasites into the body.
After sucking blood, the adult female mosquito will look for a watery place to lay her eggs.
The Right Way to Get Rid of Mosquitoes
In order to prevent the transmission of various diseases that can be carried by mosquitoes, it is important to break the life cycle of mosquitoes and prevent them from breeding. Here are a few ways you can do this:
fogging
Fogging is done by spraying insecticides to kill mosquitoes. This method is effective for killing adult mosquitoes, but not effective for killing mosquito eggs and larvae.
You can ask the local health office or health center to hold fogging, especially when it starts to enter the rainy season, the season when mosquitoes start to breed.
3M Plus
Preventive measures can also be taken by implementing 3M, namely by draining water tanks and reservoirs, closing water reservoirs tightly, and reusing used goods. This step aims to prevent mosquitoes from nesting and breeding.
In addition to 3M, the government also introduced the 3M Plus program, which is an additional preventive measure to prevent disease transmission through mosquitoes. This effort is carried out by sprinkling larvicide powder (abate) or keeping fish that prey on mosquito larvae to kill larvae in water reservoirs that are difficult to clean.
In addition to breaking the mosquito life cycle through the several ways above, there are several efforts you can take to prevent mosquito bites, including:
- Use insect repellent, either in the form of a spray or mosquito coil.
- Apply mosquito repellent lotions and gels to your skin, especially before going to bed at night.
- Install mosquito netting on every window, door, and air vent to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.
- Avoid the habit of hanging clothes, because it has the potential to become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Use mosquito nets around the bed and turn on the air conditioner or fan to prevent mosquitoes from getting close to you.
The mosquito life cycle usually lasts 2 weeks. Meanwhile, the lifespan of mosquitoes is very short, which is no more than 14 days. Despite their small size and short life span, mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals in the world.
Breaking the mosquito's life cycle is an important step in preventing the transmission of this tiny animal-borne disease. You are advised to stay alert and consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of high fever, red spots on the skin, headache, and joint pain.
These symptoms can be a sign of dengue fever, malaria, or other health problems caused by mosquito bites.