Mosquito Facts

Learn More about Mosquitoes

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Mosquitoes are probably one of the most hated creatures in the world. These pesky pests carry disease and suck blood from everything that moves. Interesting for mosquitoes as they have an endless supply of food, but not so interesting from the perspective of humans or animals! There are actually quite a few fascinating facts about these pests.

Things you should know about mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are the carriers of a number of deadly diseases and deaths caused by them are frequent all over the world. Some of the deadly diseases include dengue fever, encephalitis, malaria and yellow fever. It is the female mosquitoes which are deadlier than the male ones. They feed on human and animal blood. Male mosquitoes feed mostly on the nectar of the flowers. Female mosquitoes need protein for the eggs and only a blood meal can help them to produce that protein. Interesting fact is when females are not laying eggs, they are also happy on a flower diet!

There are a lot of mosquitoes which do not prefer humans. They would rather feast on birds or amphibians. They have an amazing flying speed, which ranges from 1 to 1.5 miles per hour. It may sound quite fast in human world, but in the world of pests, mosquitoes are considered rather slow. You have always wondered about that irritating buzzing sound associated with a mosquito. The wings of a mosquito beat 300 to 600 times a second. Interesting fact is that both male and female mosquitoes synchronize their beats of wings when they approach their potential mate. Stagnant water is considered as the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Salt marsh mosquitoes can actually go up to 100 miles from their breeding habitat. Most mosquitoes will stay pretty close to your home after they emerge from the breeding grounds. But exceptions are small salt marsh mosquitoes which can travel distances to find food. An adult mosquito can live to 5 to 6 months. Well, we are only responsible for their short lives.

Breeding habits of mosquitoes

You will be surprised to know that mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide from a distance like 75 feet away. It acts as a key signal for mosquitoes that a blood meal is near. If a female mosquito senses CO2 nearby, she will definitely detect the source and fly towards it. Hot and humid weather is conducive for mosquito breeding. They prefer the stagnant water to lay the eggs. Ponds, swamps and marshes are their favourite places. Even a puddle after rainwater can act as a breeding place for mosquitoes. In the breeding phase, mosquitoes will need aquatic bodies for the eggs. So, if you have a water body close to your garden, it is probably one of the prospective places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

Feeding habits of mosquitoes

Female mosquitoes choose their prey when there is a combination of different elements like visual cues, smell and heat. They will take protein from the blood unless their abdomen is full. Their favourite times to seek food are either in the dusk or in dawn. But some aggressive species will have food in both day and night. The plumes of the mosquitoes rise when they sense carbon dioxide. The human body sends some chemical signals to the mosquitoes which act as a magnetic force.

How to get rid of mosquitoes

Of course mosquito repellents are the most effective way to instantly of getting rid of these pests. If you have a mosquito swatter, it can be used to kill the mosquitoes. It is probably not one of the effective ways, but can act as a method which is temporarily useful. Ask your children to wear full coverage loose clothing. It will protect them from mosquitoes when they are outdoors. If you feel that all these methods are not working in your advantage, it is probably time to bring in the experts! For the most up to date local resources visit, San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District.