Mosquitoes

Common mosquitoes in Indonesia

• Aedes aegypti

  The main vector of dengue and chikungunya. Breeds in clean standing water in and around the home.

• Culex quinquefasciatus

  The common house mosquito behind nuisance biting and filariasis. Breeds in dirty water and drains.

• Anopheles

  The malaria vector; active at night and more common in rural and coastal areas.

Signs of Mosquitoes

• Larvae in tubs, pots, and water containers.
• More bites in the morning and at dusk.
• Mosquitoes resting in dark spots and hung clothes.

Why Mosquitoes are dangerous

The Aedes aegypti mosquito transmits the dengue virus, which can be fatal, while Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria. Case surges often occur in the rainy season.

Mosquitoes behaviour & life cycle

Only female mosquitoes feed on blood — needed to mature their eggs — while males feed only on nectar. The egg–larva–pupa–adult cycle takes about 7–10 days in water as small as a bottle cap. Aedes bites in the morning and at dusk, while Culex and Anopheles are more active at night.

How to prevent Mosquitoes

• Drain and cover water containers regularly.
• Recycle junk that holds rainwater.
• Use nets or repellent, and fog when needed.