Mosquito larvae are not dangerous to humans, as we discovered. However, you should still take some precautionary measures. Mosquito larvae prefer shallow water to live. A population of larvae can thrive in as little as one ounce of standing water.
Although chlorine alone won't kill mosquito larvae, it will help maintain the pool's health and hinder larvae growth.
These larvae get lots of protein by eating other species, and even members of their own species. As these do not bite people when they turn into adults, and they control populations of biting mosquitoes, the predatory larvae have been called allies to humans in the fight against mosquitoes.
If you maintain your swimming pool with chlorine and a filter system, it is a very poor site for mosquitoes to breed. Most pools are too deep and have too much chlorine for mosquitoes to use. If you do not clean and maintain your pool, it can become a breeding area.
Neglected or poorly maintained swimming pools and spa pools are an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed. When the pool's chemical parameters are not maintained at the minimum required levels and/or the filtration system is not functioning correctly, the pool becomes a public health risk.
Mosquito Life Cycle
Of these stages, the eggs, larvae, and pupae need water to develop, and stagnant water bodies are their preferred breeding grounds. If the mosquito eggs are laid in chlorinated water, such as a well-maintained swimming pool, the harsh conditions can be harmful to the eggs and the resulting larvae.
Regularly chlorinate your swimming pool and maintain disinfection levels. Chlorine alone will not kill mosquito larvae but will help in maintaining the pool's health and, along with the other steps, hinder the growth of mosquito larvae.
Be sure to chlorinate your swimming pool and maintain disinfection levels, which will help kill mosquito larvae. Studies have shown that mosquitoes prefer to lay eggs in water with leaves in it, so be sure to skim leaves from the surface of your pool promptly.
To prevent mosquito breeding, it is very important to keep your swimming pool properly maintained at all times. To keep your swimming pool in a clean and safe condition, make sure the filtration and recirculation system is in good working condition and maintain the correct chlorine and pH levels.
Although often unsafe for drinking, the piped water should not contain mosquito larvae, yet once stored in containers, the stagnant water may create potential mosquito breeding sites.
Mosquito larvae are sometimes called "wrigglers," and pupae are called "tumblers." Mosquito larvae, like many insect larvae, live in the water. They have large heads with fuzzy thoraxes, and narrow, wormlike abdomens.
Sadly, removing adult mosquitoes is very difficult and you're unlikely to make a significant dent in their population. An adult mosquito's lifespan is short, however, so the best way to control mosquitoes is to kill the larvae already in your pond waiting to hatch.
Safety tips:
While mosquito larvae are harmless, adult mosquitoes may be present when taking observations. Female mosquitoes bite and can potentially transmit disease. You should wear long sleeves and apply insect repellant containing DEET to avoid bites.
Control the nuisance weeds and algae on a regular basis. Contract with or purchase products from a reputable firm such as Aqua-Weed Control, to control the weeds and algae using EPA approved herbicides and algaecides. Note... Copper sulfate, a commonly applied algaecide, kills mosquito larvae.
Yes, bleach does kill mosquito larvae in standing water, but we don't recommend it as it can be toxic to other insects and animals that might drink from that water. A safer alternative is to use household products to kill mosquitoes. You can put things like soap or coffee grounds into the water to get a similar effect.
Mosquitoes in Pools
Mosquitoes develop in dirty, algae-filled water. If not maintained properly and regularly, a single 'green' swimming pool can produce up to 3 million mosquitoes in one month. Pools that produce mosquitoes are public health risks.
Soap: Pouring a bit of dish soap or shampoo into an inhabited water source will kill any larvae after a day. Oil: Olive oil and vegetable oil will get rid of mosquito eggs and larvae almost immediately. However, you should not put any oils in a pond where fish live or a birdbath.
Remove Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it's important to eliminate any standing water around your pool area. This includes emptying and refilling birdbaths, cleaning out gutters, and making sure any containers or objects that can hold water are emptied or stored away.
Oil. If you're looking for a faster solution, grab your vegetable or extra virgin olive oil. A thin coating of oil on the surface of water kills mosquito larvae almost instantly. You only need 1-tsp of oil per gallon of water.
Goldfish, guppies, bass, bluegill and catfish prey on mosquito larvae. But the most important fish predator, by far, is the Gambusia affinis, commonly known as the mosquito fish.
Mosquito larvae, commonly called "wigglers," live in water from 4 to 14 days depending on water temperature. Larvae of almost all species must come to the surface at frequent intervals to obtain oxygen through a breathing tube called a siphon.
Bleach does kill mosquito larvae.
It especially shouldn't be used where animals have a chance of drinking it. It can also stain hard surfaces such as patios and driveways and permanently kill grass and other plants.
After she obtains a blood meal, the female mosquito lays the eggs directly on or near water, soil and at the base of some plants in places that may fill with water. The eggs can survive dry conditions for a few months. The eggs hatch in water and a mosquito larva or "wriggler" emerges.