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What Do Mosquitoes Eat?

Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes don’t solely rely on blood for sustenance. Only female mosquitoes feed on blood to reproduce, while their diet varies throughout their life stages:

  • Larval Stage: Mosquito larvae feed on algae, bacteria, and other organic matter in water.
  • Pupal Stage: Mosquito pupae do not feed at all.
  • Adult Stage: Both male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar from flowering plants.
What do mosquitoes eat in Kalamazoo |  Griffin Pest Solutions

Do Mosquitoes Eat Anything Other Than Blood?

Many are surprised to learn that blood makes up only a small part of a mosquito’s diet. While female mosquitoes need blood for reproduction, male mosquitoes do not feed on blood at all. Mosquitoes require frequent sugar intake, just like other insects. They feed on nectar, plantsap, and honeydew for nourishment.

Male vs. Female Mosquito Diet

Female mosquitoes bite to feed on blood for reproduction, while males rely on plant nectar. Here’s how their diets differ:

  • Females: Require a blood meal for reproduction, in addition to feeding on nectar.
  • Males: Solely rely on sugar from plant nectar, using their proboscis to retrieve it.

Can Mosquitoes Survive Without Eating?

Given their short lifespan, mosquitoes cannot survive for long without feeding. If a female mosquito fails to find a food source, it may perish within days. While they can go for months without eating during winter dormancy, mosquitoes typically die off when deprived of a food source.

Interested in effective mosquito control methods? Contact Griffin Pest Solutions today for expert advice and customized solutions to keep your property mosquito-free!

What Do Mosquitoes Eat? Serving Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids

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