Mosquitoes are best known for their itchy bites and ability to spread disease. But there is a lot more to these pests. Get the facts about mosquitoes — from when they’re most active to how they find you.
Mosquitoes have been sucking blood and being a nuisance for at least 46 million years. Understanding where they breed, why they bite, and what they’re attracted to can help you protect your family from these pesky creatures. Get the facts about mosquitoes and find easy tips to help you avoid them.
7 Fascinating Facts About Mosquitoes
1. Only Female Mosquitoes Bite:
While both male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant sap, only female mosquitoes bite to obtain the protein needed for egg production
2. Mosquitoes Grow Rapidly:
The Aedes aegypti mosquito can go from an egg to an adult in just 7-10 days, with females laying around 100 eggs at a time.
3. Hearty Appetites:
Some female mosquitoes can consume their entire body weight in blood during a meal, which is essential for egg development.
4. Preference in Biting:
Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat, odor, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid found in sweat, explaining why they may prefer biting some individuals over others.
5. Activity Linked to Moon Phases:
Mosquito activity can increase by 500% during a full moon as they use visual cues for feeding, making them more active under such conditions
6. Breeding Habits:
Mosquitoes can breed in tiny amounts of water, with some species requiring less than a teaspoon of water for egg laying, emphasizing the importance of eliminating standing water to prevent breeding.
7. Color Preferences:
After feeding on blood, female mosquitoes are attracted to dark places to rest and digest their meal, making them more likely to land on individuals wearing darker colors; however, hungry mosquitoes still seek out hosts based on visual cues regardless of clothing color.
How to help get rid of mosquitoes
To help eliminate mosquitoes and protect your family from these pests, here are some unique tips gathered from various sources:
1. Remove Standing Water: Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a teaspoon of water, so empty and scrub items like tires, buckets, and flowerpot saucers weekly to prevent water accumulation
2. Maintain Water Sources: Change the water in birdbaths weekly and ensure fishpond filters are working efficiently to prevent mosquito breeding
3. Gutter Maintenance: Clear leaves and debris from gutters to allow water to flow freely and prevent stagnant water that attracts mosquitoes
4. Cover Water Storage: Ensure water storage containers are tightly covered to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs inside
5. Trim Vegetation: Cut back vegetation around your home to reduce shady areas where mosquitoes hide from direct sunlight
6. Screen Doors and Windows: Install screens on all doors and windows to keep mosquitoes outside; repair any damaged screens promptly
7 Use Repellents: Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus when outdoors to deter mosquito bites
8. Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors to minimize exposed skin where mosquitoes can bite
9. Avoid Peak Hours: Schedule outdoor activities to avoid dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
By following these preventive measures diligently, you can significantly reduce mosquito populations around your home and protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito-borne diseases.
