Do crane flies (mosquito eaters) eat mosquitoes?

No. Crane flies — commonly called mosquito eaters or mosquito hawks — do not eat mosquitoes. Adult crane flies rarely eat at all; their larvae feed on decaying plant matter. The name is a complete misnomer.

Do dragonflies eat mosquitoes?

Yes. Dragonflies are genuine mosquito predators and can consume hundreds per day. However, they cannot be introduced or controlled to manage a mosquito infestation — they follow prey populations naturally.

Do bats eat mosquitoes?

Bats do eat mosquitoes but studies show mosquitoes make up a small fraction of their diet. Bats are not an effective mosquito control strategy for residential properties.

How quickly do mosquitoes breed after rain?

Mosquito eggs can hatch in as little as 24–48 hours in warm Arizona temperatures. Larvae can develop into adults in 7–10 days.

Are Arizona mosquitoes dangerous?

Yes. Culex mosquitoes in Arizona are vectors for West Nile virus. Aedes species can transmit Zika and dengue, though local transmission is rare.

How long does mosquito treatment last?

Barrier spray treatments typically provide 3–4 weeks of protection. Larvicide treatments last 30 days per application.

Is mosquito treatment safe for my pets?

Elite Pest uses EPA-registered products. We advise keeping pets indoors during application and until the treatment has dried, typically 30–60 minutes.

Arizona Mosquito Guide

Mosquitoes in Arizona: Season, Species & Control

Arizona's monsoon season creates ideal breeding conditions. Here's what you need to know to protect your family.

Monsoon Season RiskWest Nile VectorSame-Day Service

When Are Mosquitoes Active in Arizona?

Arizona mosquito activity follows rainfall and temperature patterns. Understanding the season helps you time prevention and treatment.

Spring (Mar–May)

Early Summer (Jun)

Monsoon (Jul–Sep)

Fall (Oct–Nov)

Do Mosquito Eaters Actually Eat Mosquitoes?

Where Mosquitoes Breed in Arizona Yards

Mosquitoes need only a bottle cap of standing water to breed. These are the most common sources our technicians find.

How to Reduce Mosquitoes Around Your Home

Eliminate standing water weekly — tip out saucers, bird baths, and any containers that collect rain.

Keep pools properly chlorinated and run the pump regularly to prevent stagnant water.

Use fans on patios — mosquitoes are weak fliers and avoid moving air.

Trim dense vegetation where mosquitoes rest during the day.

Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home.

Signs of a Mosquito Problem

Bites occurring during daylight hours — a sign of Aedes mosquitoes, which are active day and night

Visible mosquitoes resting on vegetation, walls, or shaded areas

Standing water on the property that persists more than 3–4 days

Mosquito activity increasing after monsoon rains

When to Call a Professional

If mosquitoes are disrupting outdoor activities or you have standing water you can't eliminate, professional treatment makes a significant difference.

Mosquito activity is preventing use of your yard or patio
You have standing water sources that cannot be drained (drainage swales, retention areas)
You're in a neighborhood with reported West Nile or other mosquito-borne activity
DIY treatments haven't reduced activity after 1–2 weeks
You're hosting an outdoor event and need guaranteed protection

Elite Pest applies larvicide to breeding sites and adulticide to resting areas, reducing populations at the source rather than just treating symptoms.

View Mosquito Control Services →

Frequently Asked Questions

Take Back Your Yard This Monsoon Season

Elite Pest serves Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix, and the entire East Valley. Same-day service available.

(833) 944-7378 Mosquito Control Services →