Insect · GBIF taxon 1652991
Common house mosquito
Culex pipiensAlso known as Northern House Mosquito, House Mosquito
Female house mosquitoes require a protein-rich blood meal to produce eggs, searching for hosts during dusk and overnight hours using carbon dioxide cues. Adult males feed exclusively on plant nectar and contribute to pollination, while the aquatic larvae filter algae and organic debris in stagnant water. After wintering in sheltered structures like basements or hollow trees, females emerge in spring to lay floating rafts of eggs on still pools.
InsectVectorNocturnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Nectar
- Plant sap
- Blood
Predators
- Bats
- Dragonflies
- Mosquitofish
ThreatsPesticides, biological control agents, habitat drainage
HabitatsUrban areas, wetlands, temperate forests, stagnant water sources
Life span2 to 4 weeks (up to 6 months for overwintering females)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCulicidae
- SpeciesCulex pipiens
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Transmits pathogens including West Nile virus; wear repellent and clear standing water around homes.
- Why it is dangerous
- Transmits West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis through bites after feeding on infected birds.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Small brownish insect holding its body parallel to surfaces when resting, with plain brown wings and light abdominal bands.
- What to do
- Avoid bites by wearing long sleeves, applying insect repellent, and keeping outdoor seating areas well ventilated.
Responsible observation
- Drain Standing Water: Dump birdbaths, plant saucers, and clogged gutters weekly to disrupt breeding cycles.
- Use Repellent: Apply DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus before venturing outdoors at dusk.
- Install Screens: Ensure window and door screens fit tightly without gaps to prevent indoor access.
Competitor James Gathany, CDC / Public domain · cc0
Predator (c) Eugene Zelenko, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative CDC/ James Gathany / Public domain · cc0
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