How long do mosquitoes live? Here's how (and where) they thrive in your yard.

Starting to scratch? That’s because mosquito season is upon us.

Mosquitoes are a big part of summer in the U.S., but they may be an even bigger concern this year. In June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory warning because countries in the Americas have reported twice as many dengue virus infections this year compared to 2023.

Want to know more about the warm weather pests? Here’s a peek into the life cycle and feeding habits of mosquitoes.

How long do mosquitoes live?

Mosquitoes are small flies that develop as larvae in still water. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on the water surface or in areas that will become flooded later. After the eggs are laid, they hatch when submerged in water. In the larva stage, mosquitoes are aquatic and then develop into pupae in as little as five days but often longer, sometimes even over the course of the winter. They become their flying, adult forms two to three days after pupation.

When they switch from the aquatic to the terrestrial stage, mosquitoes set out to search for a sugar source and the females feed on blood to get protein to produce their eggs, says Elmer Gray, a public health extension specialist at the University of Georgia.

“What really controls how fast they develop are the overnight temperatures and the amount of food or algae and biological activity that’s going on in the water,” Gray says. “When it gets warm at night, the mosquito populations take off, so that’s why they build across the summer.”

Males feed on nectar, mate and die off rather quickly, Gray says, but female mosquitoes live up to four weeks when the temperatures are warm.

“The hotter and drier it is, the shorter they’re going to live, all insects are susceptible to drying out or desiccation,” Gray says. Mosquitoes may live longer in the spring or fall when weather conditions are cooler.

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Where do mosquitoes live?

Mosquitoes tend to reside close to standing water, where their larvae and pupae develop. They’re also often found near people, forests, marshes or tall grass, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They can live indoors and outdoors.

Permanent water mosquitoes often lay their eggs in bodies of water like lakes, ponds, swamps or marshes. Floodwater mosquitoes lay their eggs in moist soil or containers that will soon flood, like small bodies of water created by melting snow or rain, irrigated fields or flood plains. This can also include areas around our homes that collect rainwater, like tree holes, plant trays or old tires.

Mosquitoes are found in diverse areas across the country and all around the world. There are certainly many places for stagnant water in cities, but Gray says rural areas with farming, floodwater and irrigation have bad mosquito crops as well.

How long do mosquitoes live after they bite you?

Mosquitoes do not die after they bite you. In fact, your blood is helping to nourish female mosquitoes’ eggs. After they fill up with blood, female mosquitoes fly over to vegetation to digest the blood meal so they can be ready to lay their eggs, Gray says.

What do mosquito larvae look like?

Mosquito larvae are legless and have a defined head capsule with stiff hair. They may graze or nibble on the surface of their habitat and “wiggle” around, according to the UGA Extension. Throughout the larval stage, they will increase in length from about one millimeter to one centimeter.

When they move into the pupal stage, the pupa will rest at the water’s service and dive down in the water in a tumbling motion when disturbed.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How long do mosquitoes live? Your guide to pest season.