For those who live in areas where mosquitoes are active and for those who are dreaming of warm weather, here are some important (and some fun) mosquito facts…
Mosquitoes are predators…did you know…?
- Only female mosquitoes drink blood from people and other animals. They need the protein in blood to be able to produce eggs.
- Both male and female mosquitoes drink nectar from flowers and plants for nourishment.
- When a female mosquito bites with her proboscis, she stabs two tubes into the skin. Through one she injects saliva containing an enzyme that inhibits blood clotting. She sucks blood through the other.
- The itching and red bump is actually a mild allergic reaction to the saliva injected.
- Female mosquitoes lay up to 200 eggs at one time in or near water. In warm weather, eggs usually hatch within 3 days, but they can survive for 5 years!
- Female mosquito wings beating have a higher pitched sound which attracts male mosquitoes.
- Female mosquitoes live for up to 30 days while male mosquitoes only live for 7-10 days.
Mosquito-borne disease
- There are over 3,000 different species of mosquitoes. Only a small percentage of these transmit disease, but they cause more death than any other creature.
- Sadly, mosquito-borne diseases kill millions of people worldwide every year, with a majority being children or elderly in developing countries.
- The most common mosquito borne diseases that affect people include malaria, dengue fever, the Zika virus, West Nile virus, chikungunya.
- Dogs and cats can get heartworm from mosquito bites, and horses can catch a variety of viruses.
Fun facts about mosquitoes
- Studies have revealed that mosquitoes are able to drink 3 times their own body weight in blood
- It would take about 1.2 million bites to drain all the blood from your body.
- Females will lay eggs up to three times before they die.
- Mosquitoes hibernate! Females hide in holes, tree trunks, etc. and wait for warmer weather.
- Mosquitoes have been around since the Jurassic period, meaning they are 210 million years old!
- Dark clothing has been shown to attract mosquitoes more than light colored clothing.
- Mosquito activity has been shown to increase by as much as 500% during a full moon!
- Mosquitoes seem to be more attracted to people who are drinking beer.
One of the best ways to prevent mosquito borne disease is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes!
You can use mosquito nets inside and outside to cover beds, cribs, playpens, strollers, tables and chairs, tents, picnic tables, and much more.
Wear insect repellent and reapply according to instructions. Wear long sleeves and long pants and socks, especially at dusk and dawn.
Sources: The American Mosquito Control Association; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the U.S. Department of Agriculture; The Smithsonian; The Mayo Clinic.
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