Mosquitoes predated humans by millions of years.  As a result, they became magnificently able to survive and proliferate in the most adverse conditions.  Some species – and there are more than three thousand of them – will lay eggs at the edge of wet areas where they can lay dormant for up to two years and then hatch into adult mosquitoes when rainfall occurs.  Some adult female mosquitoes can reproduce more than one time, laying up to 200 eggs each time.  Each acre of ground can produce up to 150 thousand mosquitoes and it has been estimated there are 40,000 mosquitoes for every man, woman and child on the planet. 

Entomologists have long been fascinated by the adaptability of mosquitoes.  Their studies have resulted in newer, more effective methods of controlling mosquitoes using biological and chemical products.  Epidemiologists study mosquito-borne diseases and how they spread.   The role of science in reducing the number of humans affected by diseases like yellow fever, malaria, West Nile Virus and mosquito-borne encephalitis, cannot be underestimated. 

Visit these web pages to learn more about the science and study of mosquitoes

Mosquito Anatomy and Biology: See the life cycle of the mosquito, various habitats and species commonly found in Leon County. 

Chemical and Biological Control:  Read about the products used in Mosquito Control operations. Learn about mosquito fish.  

Diseases: Be informed about West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, the disease cycle and surveillance methods to detect them.  Read about other diseases carried by mosquitoes that were once the scourge of Leon County. 

Links  Learn about other Mosquito Control operations in Florida and how they handle what has been described as “exquisite survivors.”