Raising Mosquitos
Option One
Take clear plastic cup containing water inside of a 1 gallon paper ice cream carton with the cover modified. (Remove the center portion of the cover without damaging the ring. Place a square of fine netting over the carton and hold in place with the ring.) Secure the plastic cup with modeling clay or tape to the bottom of the carton. Place a folded piece of mesh or a stick that is above the level of the water (as shown) so that the adult mosquitoes do not drown.
Option Two
Take a glass aquarium or one gallon jar filled 1/4 to 1/2 with water. A screened lid made of fine mesh can be taped or stapled to a wood frame that fits tightly on the aquarium. Place a folded piece of mesh or a stick that is above the level of the water so that the adult mosquitoes do not drown.
Feeding Mosquitoes
Food
Mosquito larvae eat many things including solid material. Sprinkle dry fish food flakes on the water to feed the mosquitoes. Having aquatic plants or algae in the water will also help, but is not necessary. Adult mosquitoes live quite well on sugar which could include a slice of apple, wet raisins or sugar cube. Keep a bowl of water in the cage with the adult mosquitoes. This can be done by placing wet raisins, apple slices or a sugar cube on top of the screened lid.
Water
Larvae live in water. Never allow the water to scum over because of excess food.
Maintaining Mosquitos
Cleaning
Larval containers: Avoid overfeeding larvae because of scum that may form on the surface of the water. The water lost from evaporation will need to be replaced. Water from the tap can be used if the chlorine has been removed by leaving the water out for one day before adding to the mosquito water. If the water needs to be changed, dechlorinate enough water for the aquarium ahead of time. Transfer larvae and pupae, using a net, to a holding container filled with water from the dirty tank. Clean the aquarium with tap water only - do not use soap. Fill with dechlorinated water and add the insects.
Handling
To avoid escape of adult mosquitoes, it is best not to try to move them from one container to another. Larval mosquitoes can be easily picked up from the water using a medicine dropper or Pasteur pipette that has been reversed so that the fine tip is inserted into the bulb. A fine fish net may be used to transfer the larvae and pupae. As long as they do not dry out, the larvae and pupae can be held in the net.
Raising Young
If you want the adult females to lay eggs, they must be given a blood meal. Within a week they should produce eggs which are very small (you may need to look with a magnifier to see them) laid on the surface of the water. Eggs will hatch in 3-4 days. Feed the larvae as described.