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What is the Lifespan of a Mosquito?

Mosquitoes live for about one to two months. However, during this time, they are constantly reproducing, meaning the population is always cycling. After the eggs hatch, the larvae turn into pupae and eventually become adults in about 14 days.

From there, the adult mosquitoes will breed and lay eggs to start the cycle over. Mosquitoes will die off when it begins to get cold outside, are eaten by a predator, or will die naturally in about one to two months.

Dead mosquitoes on white counter black background

Mosquito Life Cycle

The mosquito life cycle takes about 14 days. In general, the mosquito breeding process is as follows:

  1. Female mosquitoes require a blood meal in order to reproduce. After feeding, they will lay their eggs on or near stagnant water. 
  2. The eggs will hatch within 24 to 72 hours. When the larvae emerge from the eggs, they are typically seen wiggling in the water. The larvae will feed on algae, protozoans, and other organic material.
  3. After about a week or 10 days, the larvae reach the pupal stage. Instead of feeding, the pupae spend a couple of days at the surface of the water to get used to the air.
  4. About three days after the pupal stage begins, the adult mosquito emerges. Only a day later, the adult mosquitoes are able to breed. Female mosquitoes can reproduce and lay eggs for most of her lifetime. 

How Long Do Mosquitoes Live?

Male mosquitoes, which feed off of the nectar of plants, live typically for a week or two. Female mosquitoes, on the other hand, can live for over a month. Mosquito eggs, if they do not hatch, can survive for months at a time before hatching. Although mosquitoes have a relatively short life cycle, their rapid rate of reproduction keeps mosquito populations at a constant during the summer months.

How Do Mosquitoes Die?

Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes do not die after biting someone. In fact, a female mosquito will continually feed throughout her lifetime. Mosquitoes typically naturally die after a month or two. Mosquito populations die off when the warmer temperatures of spring and summer come to an end. This is because mosquitoes cannot function at temperatures less than 50 degrees. Females can occasionally hibernate, and unhatched eggs can survive the winter.

What is the Lifespan of a Mosquito Serving Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Virginia?

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