Mosquitoes are common pests that plague us with itchy wounds. But as common as they are, we're betting that there are things you don't know about mosquitoes. Here are a few mosquito facts you might not know, and more importantly, why you should.
Mosquitoes Are Selective
Do you know that mosquitoes zero in on a target based on established criteria of attraction? Can you name some of the things that attract mosquitoes? We'll help you out. Carbon dioxide emissions lure mosquitoes from a distance. Once near, mosquitoes are drawn to warm skin. This is because they feed on warm-blooded animals. If you're hotter than the person next to you, you'll catch the attention of mosquitoes. They're also drawn to certain chemicals on the skin, moisture on the skin, and people who have been consuming alcohol. When they come in for a landing, they'll use silhouettes to lock on. If you wear bright colors, you can make it more difficult for mosquitoes to bite you.
Mosquitoes Are Lazy
Do you know that some species of mosquitoes don't travel more than a few hundred feet from where they hatch? While they can fly quickly to get to you, they don't fly a great distance. If they hatch on your property, they're content to stay on your property, or at the very least, in the area. One of the reasons professional mosquito service is so effective is that it eliminates mosquitoes when they rest. This is done by treating landscaping and key areas around your home with a product that harms simple organisms like mosquitoes and ticks, without doing any harm to you, your kids, your pets, or any other animals that come into your yard.
Some Mosquitoes Don't Bite
Are you aware that only female mosquitoes bite? It's true. Males only live to reproduce with the females. They feed on nectar. Why is it important to know this? We can give one important reason. If you have a bug zapper, or some other device that kills mosquitoes, you may find dead mosquitoes in your device and think that you are preventing bites. However, studies have shown that these devices are ineffective at killing female mosquitoes. You may want to try something else to get those little biters.
The Most Dangerous Animal In The World
First, a mosquito is considered an animal. It might sound strange, but insects are in the kingdom Animalia. All animals are members of this kingdom. Some creatures that are not considered animals are bacteria, blue-green algae, and unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Of all the animals on the planet, the mosquito is the most dangerous, not for a dangerous venom or a razor-sharp bite but for the dangerous pathogens they can spread. It is estimated that mosquitoes contribute to more than 750,000 deaths in the world, annually. Why is this important to know? While the U.S. has far fewer fatalities related to mosquitoes than underdeveloped countries, mosquitoes are still a serious threat that should not be shrugged off.
All Mosquitoes Do Not Carry All Viruses
Can you name the type of mosquito that carries malaria, Zika virus, dengue fever, yellow fever, Chikungunya and several forms of encephalitis? Do you know where it prefers to breed, or how to break the cycle of breeding? It is the Aedes species of mosquitoes. In the U.S. we have the Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus. They breed in stagnant water. Removing stagnant water resources can prevent reproduction.
Mosquitoes Are Selective
Do you know that Texas Star Pest and Termite provides seasonal mosquito treatments that can make your Lewisville yard a no-fly zone for mosquitoes? We do this by treating the places mosquitoes rest, and by installing misting systems. If you'd like to learn about these, reach out to us today. We're happy to answer your questions.