Mosquitoes' Main Aquatic Habitats

Aquatic habitats are containers in which eggs develop into adult mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that transmit dengue lay eggs on the walls of water-filled containers in the house and patio. The eggs hatch when submerged in water and can survive for months. Mosquitoes can lay dozens of eggs up to 5 times during their lifetime.

There is a great variety of man-made containers on backyards or patios that collect rain water or that are filled with water by people where dengue vectors thrive. Disposing of unused containers, placing useful containers under a roof or protected with tight covers, and frequently changing the water of animal drinking pans and flower pots will greatly reduce the risk of dengue infections. Water storage containers should be kept clean and sealed so mosquitoes cannot use them as aquatic habitats.