Can a Mosquito Lay Eggs in You?
No, mosquitoes do not lay eggs inside humans. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. While some flies can lay eggs on humans resulting in a condition called myiasis (as noted in the WebMD article on Myiasis), this is not the case with mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes require standing water for egg development. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs near water sources, including:
- Small puddles
- Flower pots
- Untreated swimming pools
- Any standing water
The eggs then hatch into larvae, which develop in the water before becoming adult mosquitoes.
The claim that "When mosquitoes bite humans, or people touch infested objects, the eggs transfer to people's skin. The eggs hatch into larvae, which burrow under the skin and begin to mature," found in one reference is inaccurate regarding mosquito eggs. This description is more applicable to certain flies that cause myiasis.
Clarification: The reference mentioning eggs transferring to skin and hatching likely refers to a different type of insect or a misinterpretation of myiasis, a parasitic infestation caused by fly larvae. Mosquitoes themselves do not lay eggs in humans. They only bite to obtain a blood meal necessary for egg production.
Myiasis: A Clarification
Myiasis, as described by WebMD, involves fly larvae infesting the body. Some flies lay eggs on other insects (including mosquitoes), which may then deposit them incidentally onto humans. However, this is not the direct egg-laying behavior of a mosquito.
Where Mosquitoes Lay Eggs:
- Standing Water: This is the primary location for mosquito egg-laying. Eliminating standing water is crucial for mosquito control. (CDC, EPA, various other sources)
- Containers: Mosquitoes often lay eggs in containers holding water, emphasizing the importance of covering or emptying such containers. (CDC)
- Moist Environments: While not directly laying eggs in humans, the proximity of humans to breeding sites increases the chance of bites. (Various sources)
