Do Mosquitoes Bite? Are They Dangerous?
Short answer: the mosquito can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease. Mosquito bites itch and, depending on the region, can transmit West Nile, dengue and other viruses.
Risk rating: Health risk
Mosquito bites itch and, depending on the region, can transmit West Nile, dengue and other viruses.
Are mosquitoes dangerous to humans?
Mosquito bites itch and, depending on the region, can transmit West Nile, dengue and other viruses.
On our four-level scale, the mosquito is rated health risk, meaning it can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease. Mosquitoes can bite, so it is worth handling them with care.
Are they dangerous to pets?
Mosquitoes can bite or sting curious pets that paw at them or try to eat them. Watch for swelling, drooling or limping, and call your veterinarian right away if your pet has trouble breathing or a large reaction.
Can they damage your home or garden?
Mosquitoes don't damage homes; the concern is bites outdoors.
What to do if you are bitten
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling.
- Use an over-the-counter antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream for itching, following the label.
- Avoid scratching, which can lead to infection.
Call 911 right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or a racing heartbeat after a bite or sting.
Mosquito bites itch and, depending on the region, can transmit West Nile, dengue and other viruses.
How to identify mosquitoes
A small, slender fly whose females bite to take blood for egg production. The Asian tiger mosquito is black with white stripes and bites aggressively during the day.
- Long, needle-like mouthpart (proboscis)
- Scales along the wing veins and a slender body
- Asian tiger species has black-and-white striped legs
| Scientific name | Culicidae (e.g. Aedes albopictus) |
|---|---|
| Group | Flies & Mosquitoes |
| Size | 3–6 mm (up to about 0.24 in) |
| Colors | Black, White and Gray |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Yard or patio, Near water and Lawn or grass |
| Most active | Spring, Summer and Fall |
| Bites | Yes |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Health risk |
When you'll see mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are most active in spring, summer and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: yard or patio, near water and lawn or grass.
About flies & mosquitoes
The mosquito is one of the flies & mosquitoes. Flies have only one pair of working wings; the second pair is reduced to small balancing knobs called halteres. They go through complete metamorphosis, and the larvae, called maggots, need moist organic material such as garbage, soil, drain film or standing water.
Fly problems are almost always breeding-site problems. Finding and removing the moist material where larvae develop works far better than swatting adults.
How to avoid problems with mosquitoes
- Dump standing water weekly from pots, gutters, tires and toys
- Use an EPA-registered repellent such as DEET or picaridin
- Treat ponds or rain barrels with Bti dunks
Frequently asked questions
Do mosquitoes bite?
Yes. Mosquito bites itch and, depending on the region, can transmit West Nile, dengue and other viruses.
Do mosquitoes sting?
No, mosquitoes do not sting.
Are mosquitoes poisonous?
The mosquito can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease. Mosquito bites itch and, depending on the region, can transmit West Nile, dengue and other viruses.
Where do mosquitoes live?
Mosquitoes are usually found in yards and on patios, near water and in lawns and grass, and are most active in spring, summer and fall.