Mosquitoes are gray to black in color with 2 long narrow wings and a long proboscis or beak. They are of concern because of the deadly diseases that they can transmit to humans such as malaria, yellow fever, and West Nile. The use of insect repellants is quite effective in preventing mosquito bites. Mosquito larvae lives in standing water, so emptying or eliminating containers that may hold water around your yard will greatly reduce the number or mosquitoes around the home.