3 Ways to Safely Kill Mosquito Larvae

Are you tired of dealing with those pesky mosquitos? Want to get rid of them? The pest control experts at The Bug Man are here to help you. One of the best ways is to learn how to identify mosquito larvae and what to do when you find them.

How to Kill Mosquito Larvae

Mosquitoes can be a real pain with their buzzing and itchy bites. Even worse, mosquitoes only bite when they’re ready to lay eggs, which means that every time you do get bit, there’s a whole new mosquito generation on the lay. That’s why the best way to eliminate mosquitoes is to get them before they’re fully developed.

Here are three safe and effective ways to kill mosquito eggs and larvae:

• Dish Soap or Shampoo: Add just a millimeter of liquid soap to a gallon of standing water and agitate slightly. The presence of the soap will cause eggs and larvae to suffocate.
• Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil can swiftly eliminate mosquito eggs and larvae. However, you’ll want to avoid using them in ponds or birdbaths as oil can be harmful to wildlife.
• Vinegar: In smaller water sources, like bird baths, you can add some apple cider vinegar—about 15% of the total liquid—to disrupt mosquito larvae development. Vinegar is less effective at killing mosquito eggs.

Dig Deeper into How to Kill Mosquito Larvae

Those three methods are highly effective at eliminating mosquito larvae, and the best part is that you likely have them around the home. If you identify mosquito larvae on your property, we highly recommend eliminating them immediately.

If you’re still interested in learning more about mosquito larvae and how to kill them, keep reading – or check out our mosquito control service page.

Where Is Mosquito Larvae Usually Found?

Mosquito larvae are typically found in standing water, where they undergo their aquatic life stage. Common mosquito breeding grounds include: 

• Stagnant ponds
• Marshes
• Ditches
• Puddles
• Birdbaths
• Flower pots
• Clogged gutters
• And more.

Anything, essentially, any still water provides a potential breeding site for mosquito larvae. It’s crucial to regularly inspect and eliminate standing water around your home to disrupt their breeding cycle and reduce mosquito populations.

Why Do Mosquito Larvae Live in Water?

Mosquito larvae are in water because water serves as their breeding ground. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant or standing water, and this becomes the starting point of the mosquito life cycle. The water provides a safe and nutrient-rich habitat for the early stages of mosquito development, allowing them to complete their life cycle and continue the population.

The eggs hatch into larvae, which thrive in aquatic environments. The larvae feed on organic matter present in the water and undergo several molting stages before transforming into pupae and eventually emerging as adult mosquitoes. 

That’s why eliminating or treating standing water is a key strategy in mosquito control to disrupt this breeding process and reduce mosquito populations.

What Does Mosquito Larvae Look Like?

Mosquito larvae are commonly known as “wigglers,” and if you’ve seen them before, you know why. They look like little tiny worms that propel themselves forward by wiggling side to side. They can range in color from beige to brownish. They’re always found in water and need very little water to survive. They’re easy to miss unless you’re looking for them.

Some people may mistake mosquito larvae for tadpoles. Tadpoles are usually much larger than larvae, though in the earliest stages, it can be hard to tell. Tadpoles have a body with a tail whereas wigglers have multiple segments.

Does “Dumping” Mosquito Larvae Kill Them?

Yes, if you have, for example, a wheelbarrow or birdbath filled with water and you notice mosquito larvae, dumping out the water and larvae onto dry land will kill them because, as mentioned, they need water to develop. However, you’ll want to be careful because they need very little water – so make sure the ground is actually dry.

How Long Does Mosquito Larvae Take to Hatch?

From the time when a female mosquito lays her eggs, it takes 24-48 hours for mosquito larvae to hatch. From the larval stage, it will take one to two weeks for them to emerge as adult mosquitoes.

Want to Kill Mosquitos Before They Have a Chance to Bite? Call Us!

If those mosquito larvae just won’t budge, it’s probably time to reach out to your neighborhood mosquito control experts. The Bug Man’s specialists will zero in on every mosquito breeding spot around your home. Our mission? To stop mosquitoes in their tracks and stop eggs and larvae from developing. 

Ready to reclaim your space? Give us a call today and let’s kick those pesky mosquitoes to the curb! We proudly serve the Central TN area.