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When going on a swamp tour, you should definitely bring some mosquito spray. Even though the waters you will be touring, like the bayous, are not stagnant, there is really no area in or around the New Orleans area that is completely mosquito free. When taking an air boat tour, your boat will be moving fairly fast most of the time, but our captains will take educational breaks to explain the swamp habitat and, of course, to give you a chance to take some pictures of alligators. That’s when mosquitoes may get you.

Where Do Mosquitoes Lay Their Eggs?

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Experts say just a little bit of stagnant water is enough for mosquitoes to lay eggs. The water does not have to be very deep for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.  This means they can lay eggs in puddles, or water that collects in plants and, of course, in any open container that has been left outside. As a matter of fact, small puddles which are left after big rainfalls or flooding are usually enough for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Mosquitoes prefer water sheltered from the wind by grass and weeds.

Mosquito Predators

In the swamp, mosquitoes have plenty of predators. Bats, birds, tadpoles, turtles and dragon flies feast on mosquitoes. Fish including goldfish, guppies, bass, bluegill and catfish prey on mosquito larvae. Even though there are plenty of predators around in the swamp, you will still encounter mosquitoes. Don’t forget to bring some bug spray when going on a swamp tour.