What is a common breeding site for mosquitoes in Illinois?

Stagnant water bodies serve as a common breeding site for mosquitoes in Illinois because these insects require still water for their eggs to hatch and the larvae to develop. Mosquitoes are drawn to locations where water is not in motion, as moving water typically disrupts the breeding process.

Puddles, clogged gutters, old tires, bird baths, and any other containers that can hold water over time become ideal habitats for mosquito larvae. In contrast, fast-moving rivers do not provide suitable conditions for breeding, as the current prevents water from pooling and allows for stagnation. High-altitude lakes are less common breeding sites since they often have cooler temperatures and less favorable conditions for mosquito survival. Drought-affected areas lack the sufficient water required for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and for their larvae to thrive. Hence, stagnant water bodies are predominantly where mosquitoes are most likely to reproduce.