Mosquitoes have taken full advantage of floodwater

Rhonda Massad, West Island Blog, West Island News, Mosuitoes, #mtlflood2017, flood,

by Rhonda Massad

According to the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, there are two kinds of mosquitoes, floodwater mosquitoes, and still water mosquitoes.   I noticed the rise of mosquitoes in my yard this year but did not connect the dots right away.  The West Island and Montreal area have been flooded, now we will be flooded with mosquitoes that are looking really healthy.

You might sport cologne or eau de toilet to a picnic or barbecue so you don’t scare your friends away. However, you’re actually encouraging mosquitoes who are drawn to perfumed products. You don’t have to wear chemically laden bug repellants when natural ingredients—like eucalyptus, geraniol, lemon, or soybean oil—can effectively help discourage bug bites.  See natural bug spray recipe below.

Many people associate mosquitoes strictly with standing water, with the belief that mosquitoes must have water to lay their eggs. The fact is, mosquito eggs need water to HATCH – but some species lay their eggs in moist soil (not standing water) and the eggs need to dry out before they can hatch. These mosquitoes are the “floodwater” species.  Lovely!!

Mosquitoes that are not in the “floodwater” group lay their eggs on standing water. A difference between the two groups is that mosquito eggs in this category can not withstand drying out. If the water dries up, or the egg gets stranded on the grass or soil, the egg dries and that will be the end; it will not hatch into a larva. Females will lay their eggs on the water surface and the eggs will typically hatch in about 24 hours. Water is necessary to complete the life cycle, and soon the larva will change into pupa and then emerge into an adult that is hungry for blood. Of course!!

Bottom line everyone, we are going to be seeing plenty more mosquitoes of both kinds in the coming weeks.  As always the peak will be in late June and then we can start to see a decline.

Enjoy the hot days ahead and keep that mosquito net close by!!!


Homemade Bug Spray Instructions
  2. Add witch hazel to fill almost to the top.
  3. Add 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin if using.




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