There are more than 50 species of mosquitoes in Kentucky but only two are of major importance in the state, Culex sp. (Culex pipiens, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tarsalis) and Aedes sp. (Aedes aegypti) About Mosquitoes in the United States | Mosquitoes | CDC. The Culex sp. are important in transmitting West Nile Virus and heartworm, whereas Aedes sp. can carry heartworm, dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, Zika Mosquitoes and Disease - Frequently Asked Questions, Dr. Hannah Tiffin | Forestry and Natural Resources. Most people consider mosquitoes as a nuisance and involved in transmitting diseases; however, they do serve an important role as pollinators Mosquitoes: What’s the Point? – National Geographic Education Blog. Mosquitoes use the nectar from flowers as their main source of food and for males it is their only source of food since they do not bite (draw blood) only females do Mosquitoes are drawn to flowers as much as people — and now scientists know why | UW News. The best way to not get bitten by mosquitoes is to avoid being outside at dawn, dusk and in the evening, which are typically the times mosquitoes are most active. If you are going outside where long sleeves and pants (although bites can occur through fabric), the most effective repellents contain DEET (diethyl toluamide) Mosquitoes: Practical Advice for Homeowners | Entomology. Citronella and Skin-so-Soft can protect to a certain extent, but not as well as DEET. (May add permethrin for clothes in here too) Standing water is a major attraction to mosquitoes, it is where they breed and lay their eggs, especially for Culex sp. Aedes sp. prefer to lay their eggs at the base of trees, bushes especially in areas that tend to flood Texas A&M Agrilife | Mosquito Prevention | Mosquito Control. Both species can leave their eggs in areas where no water is immediately available (edge of water cans, tires) and eggs will hatch when the area is saturated with water. Making sure there are no areas that have or can have standing water for more than a couple of days will help eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Keep the vegetation low or totally cleared out. There are ways to control the mosquito larvae from developing into adults with the use of natural larvicides like Bacillus thuringiensis which is a soil bacterium Mosquitoes: Practical Advice for Homeowners | Entomology. This specific Bacillus produces a toxin which kills the larvae. There are insecticides homeowners can use to kill the adult mosquito, such as permethrin or they can enlist the help of a professional service. 

Mosquitoes tend to live approximately 2 weeks; however, some species can live up to 3 months. Mosquitoes have been known to hibernate, and this can increase their life span to 8 months.

Mosquitoes and Disease - Frequently Asked Questions