Mosquitoes and Flies in Florida Are Out for Blood

Florida flies and mosquitoes run rampant through our lives.

Backyard parties and beach trips can quickly go awry when pests show up! Whether you live in Florida or have only visited, you have probably encountered the sting of a fly or mosquito bite. Some flies and mosquitoes are much the same, but they do have their differences.

Florida stable flies and mosquitoes are both out for blood.

With the prevalence of mosquitoes in our lives, it is widely known that female mosquitoes bite us to obtain a blood meal, so they can fertilize their eggs – and create more bloodthirsty offspring. Stable flies also bite us to obtain blood. However, both male and female stable flies use their mouthparts to bite humans, their pets, wildlife, and livestock. As a matter of fact, both mosquitoes and stable flies will move from host to host until their maximum blood meal is devoured.

STABLE FLIES IN FLORIDA UN-FUN FACT: Stable flies have been known to infest Gulf Coast beaches, running off beach-goers, essentially shutting beaches down.

About stable fly and mosquito breeding:

• Both the female fly and mosquito need blood to produce fertilized eggs
• Both can lay hundreds of eggs in one clutch
• Stable flies will lay an average of 550 eggs in their lifetime
• Mosquitoes will reproduce multiple times, laying up to 10 clutches in their lifetime
• Stable flies lay their eggs in leaf debris or compost, seaweed deposits, and soiled areas where animals bed down
• Mosquitoes require water to lay their eggs – from small puddles in yards to outdoor pet bowls and bird baths – all it takes is a small amount still water
• Stable fly eggs hatch in about 24 to 48 hours, and reach adulthood on average in 20 days
• Mosquito eggs hatch in about 48 to 72 hours, reaching adulthood in about 8 to 10 days

Are flies and mosquitoes dangerous to humans?

Mosquitoes are vectors for various human and animal diseases. The deadliest animal on the planet, mosquitoes spread human diseases like malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, and Zika. Mosquitoes are also dangerous to animals. They can infect our dogs and cats with heartworms. They can infect both humans and our beloved equine counterparts with dreaded Eastern equine encephalitis. Stable flies can be dangerous to animals but are not known to pass diseases to humans. They can infect livestock and zoo animals alike, with diseases like anaplasmosis, anthrax, and infectious anemia.

Keeping flies and mosquitoes away from our families and animals is essential to happy, healthy living in Florida.

This is not an attempt at fearmongering, it is a statement of fact. With such temperate weather in all areas of Florida, our mosquito and fly infestations can be much different than in other parts of the United States. Though these animals can live and thrive all year round in our area, they do still have periods of time in which they are more active. Stable flies prefer cooler weather, so in Florida, they are most active late fall and winter. In early March, our friendly Florida mosquitoes are officially on the prowl, peaking in late spring and summer.

Lowering your chances of encountering either of these blood suckers is essential to keeping Florida families safe and happy. If you live in the Jacksonville FL area, Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida can help you control flies and mosquitoes around your home and property. From pastures to backyard decks, our barrier mosquito treatment and fly control sprays will promote a health and happy life. If you are hosting a special outdoor event, we special event sprays for that too.

For effective fly control in Jacksonville FL, call on the experts at Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida! Get in touch with us at (904) 844-0816.