SPECIMEN: CULEX & AEDES SPP.

Species Profile

Mosquitoes

Culex & Aedes spp.

Threat Level: Moderate (3/5)Eco Impact Rating: 4/5

order

Diptera

family

Culicidae

lifespan

2 weeks–6 months

colony

Swarming

Mosquitoes are among the most significant pest species in the Western Cape, particularly during warm, wet months. Common species include Culex mosquitoes (night-biting) and Aedes mosquitoes (day-biting). They breed in standing water and can transmit diseases including West Nile virus and Rift Valley fever. Beyond disease risk, their persistent biting causes significant discomfort and outdoor activity disruption.

Biology & Behaviour

Mosquitoes require standing water to breed — even small quantities in gutters, plant saucers, bird baths or discarded containers. Females lay 100–300 eggs on the water surface. Larvae (wigglers) develop in water, pupate, and emerge as adults in 7–14 days. Only females bite — they require blood protein for egg development. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, navigating by CO2, body heat and lactic acid.

Signs of Infestation

Infestation Indicators

Mosquitoes visible resting on walls, ceilings and shaded vegetation during the day

Persistent biting activity, particularly at dawn and dusk

Itchy, red welts on exposed skin — Culex bites often in clusters

Larvae (wigglers) visible in standing water around the property

High-pitched whining sound near ears at night

Clinical Organicism Protocol

Remediation Protocol

The Eco Pestelence 4-phase intervention methodology, calibrated specifically for mosquitoes.

Phase 01

Detection

Property survey for all standing water sources — gutters, drains, plant saucers, water features and low-lying ground. Larval sampling in identified water sources. Species identification to determine peak activity times and disease risk.

Phase 02

Isolation

Elimination of all unnecessary standing water sources. Gutters and drains cleared. Water features treated with mosquito dunks (BTI — biological larvicide). Window and door fly screens installed or repaired.

Phase 03

Neutralization

BTI larvicide dunks applied to permanent water sources — biological control targeting mosquito larvae only. Residual barrier spray to exterior vegetation and shaded resting zones. Ultra-low-volume fogging for high-density adult populations in outdoor entertainment areas.

10-Day Elimination Programme

The initial treatment eliminates active pests while eggs continue hatching over the following days — newly hatched pests contact the residual treatment, progressively clearing the infestation within ~10 days.

Phase 04

Shielding

Seasonal treatment programme — pre-summer and post-rainfall applications. Permanent water source monitoring with BTI dunks. Fly screen and exclusion maintenance. Outdoor lighting management — yellow bulbs attract fewer insects.

Eco Commitment

BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) is our primary larvicide — a biological control that targets only mosquito larvae with zero impact on birds, fish, pets or beneficial insects. We avoid broad-spectrum adulticides wherever possible.

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