This Causes Menstruation Twice in a Month and How to Overcome Them

Information about the life cycle of mosquitoes is important you need to know. Although it seems trivial, this is good for you to understand as a preventive measure against the risk of transmitting various types of diseases through mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes are a type of insect that can act as an intermediary for various types of diseases, from dengue fever (DHF), chikungunya, malaria, elephantiasis, to zika. Various types of viruses and parasites that cause these diseases can enter the human body through their bites.

Getting to know the mosquito life cycle

There are many types of mosquitoes and each type can carry different diseases. For example, dengue fever, chikungunya, and zika are transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Meanwhile, malaria and elephantiasis are transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.

However, the two types of mosquitoes have a similar life cycle to one another. The following is the life cycle of the mosquito:

1. Eggs

The life cycle of a mosquito begins with the mosquito eggs released by an adult female mosquito. Adult female mosquitoes can lay up to 100 eggs at a time. These mosquitoes usually like to lay their eggs in watery places, such as tubs, tires or used buckets, or flower pots where water is rarely changed.

Mosquito eggs can last up to about 8 months in a dry environment. However, on average, mosquito eggs can hatch into mosquito larvae or larvae in approximately 24–48 hours. The length of time the mosquito eggs hatch depends on the water temperature and the environment in which the mosquitoes lay their eggs.

2. Larva mosquitoes or larvae

Mosquito larvae look like tiny caterpillars in water. The average mosquito larva size ranges from 1–1.5 cm. Mosquito larvae can swim in the water, but will occasionally swim to the surface to breathe.

Mosquito larvae or larvae get their food intake from microorganisms or food debris in the water. Mosquito larvae can molt several times before turning into pupae.

3. Pupa

Mosquito pupa or cocoon can be identified by its curved shape. The mosquito pupa generally looks a little like a larva, but the head is larger and rounder. Mosquito pupae usually float on the surface of the water.

This mosquito life cycle is the last phase that occurs in water. The pupae will usually stay in water for about 1–4 days, then develop into adult mosquitoes.

4. Adult mosquitoes

After becoming adults, mosquitoes will fly away and leave the water. Male mosquitoes will survive by consuming flower nectar, while female mosquitoes will suck human and animal blood to live and lay eggs.

When it sucks blood, the mosquito pierces the skin and injects its saliva into the human bloodstream. When the skin is bitten, the human body's immune system will work to eradicate the mosquito's saliva which is considered a foreign object.

That's why mosquito bites can cause reactions in the form of itchy, swollen, and bumpy skin. Apart from producing these mild allergic reactions, mosquito bites can also transmit various diseases due to the entry of viruses or parasites into the body.

After sucking blood, the adult female mosquito will look for a watery place to lay eggs.

The Right Way to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

In order to prevent the transmission of various diseases that can be carried by mosquitoes, it is important to break the life cycle of mosquitoes and prevent them from reproducing. Here are some ways you can do this:

Fogging

Fogging is done by spraying insecticides to kill mosquitoes. This method is effective for killing adult mosquitoes, but not for killing mosquito eggs and larvae.

You can ask the local health office or Puskesmas to hold fogging, especially when it starts to enter the rainy season, the season when mosquitoes start to breed.

3M Plus

Preventive measures can also be taken by implementing 3M, namely by draining water tanks and reservoirs, closing water reservoirs tightly, and reusing used goods. This step aims to prevent mosquitoes from nesting and breeding.

Apart from 3M, the government has also introduced the 3M Plus program, which is an additional prevention effort to prevent disease transmission through mosquitoes. This effort is done by sprinkling larvicide powder (abate) or raising mosquito larvae predators to kill larvae in water reservoirs that are difficult to clean.

Apart from breaking the mosquito life cycle through the following methods, there are a number of efforts you can take to prevent mosquito bites, including:

• Use insect repellent, either in the form of a spray or mosquito coils.
• Apply mosquito repellent lotions and gels to the skin, especially before going to bed at night.
• Install mosquito netting on windows, doors, and air vents to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.
• Avoid hanging clothes, because it has the potential to become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Use a mosquito net around the bed and turn on the air conditioner or fan so it will be difficult for mosquitoes to get close to your body.

The life cycle of a mosquito usually lasts 2 weeks. Meanwhile, the age of mosquitoes is very short, which is no more than 14 days. Despite their small size and short life span, mosquitoes are one of the most deadly animals in the world.

Breaking the life cycle of mosquitoes is an important step in preventing the transmission of diseases transmitted by these tiny animals. You are advised to remain vigilant and consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of high fever, red spots on the skin, headaches, and joint pain.

These symptoms could be a sign of dengue fever, malaria, or other health problems caused by a mosquito bite.

Label : Health cat_Health