It is a female mosquito that lays eggs in water pots and plants near you. This mosquito species can survive year-round in tropical regions and can infect humans as well as animals. However, here we are giving you information about the identification of dengue mosquito.
What does dengue mosquito look like
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Aedes aegypti, which spreads dengue, is a small, dark colored mosquito with tied legs. Because of this, these female mosquitoes are not able to fly high and aegypti are smaller than other mosquitoes. Mosquitoes usually bite people indoors and lay eggs during the day in water that contains organic matter like leaves, algae, etc.
Mosquito lays eggs 3 days after biting humans
Mosquitoes lay eggs three days after biting humans. When the eggs are filled with water in the rain, the larvae hatch from them. Generally, the larvae feed on algae, small aquatic organisms, plant particles in containers filled with water. The complete cycle from egg to adult i.e. mosquito is in 7-8 days and the life span of an adult mosquito is about three weeks. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed in summer and do not survive the winter season.
how to protect yourself
- Check your surroundings for pits or containers filled with water.
- Clean and sanitize water utensils weekly.
- Fill tree holes and other cavities in plants with soil or sand.
- Keep yourself covered by wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes and socks.
- Apply mosquito repellent with at least 10 percent DEET on open areas.
- Use cradles and mosquito nets to protect babies from dengue.
- Make sure you keep your doors and windows closed during the day.
Dengue mosquito bite behavior
The Aedes aegypti mosquito bites mainly during the day. It is most active two hours after sunrise and several hours before sunset. But chances are it can bite you at night as well. Since this mosquito cannot fly very high, it usually bites on the ankles and elbows.