All About Mosquitoes: An Overview
When it comes to enjoying the outdoors, you should know all about mosquitoes – there is no denying that mosquitoes are a pain. They itch, they bite, and occasionally they may even carry a disease that sickens you. You don’t want these biting insects nearby, whether you’re outside having fun with your family on the weekend or organizing a huge event. But what are the different types of mosquitoes, and where do they come from?
If you want to learn more about mosquitoes to keep them at bay, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some mosquito facts that will help you get to know your yard’s natural enemy!
What Is a Mosquito?
You might be wondering what exactly mosquitoes are. Mosquitoes have around 3,500 distinct species. Mosquitoes are small insects that come from all over the world.
The majority of mosquitoes deposit their eggs in water. The eggs hatch into larva and pupa before becoming fully formed adult mosquitoes and flying away from the water source.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?
A mosquito becomes the pest we are all familiar with once it has reached adulthood. What’s more, mosquitoes don’t actually feed on human blood! In actuality, only female mosquitoes bite. But why do mosquitoes bite?
The reason directly connects to reproduction. The female mosquito requires blood to help her eggs develop. Male mosquitoes consume plant nectar in the meantime.
For reproduction, mosquitoes bite and then proceed to suck the host’s blood. Female mosquitoes consume both flower nectar and blood, whereas male mosquitoes only consume flower nectar. To develop their eggs, females require the blood’s protein.
Where Do Mosquitoes Live?
When you learn about mosquitoes, you’ll find most of the world is home to mosquitoes, including the US and it’s territories. While some mosquitoes live close to humans, others prefer to live in forests, marshes, or tall grasses. Because mosquito larvae and pupae dwell in stagnant or still water, all mosquito species live near it.
All species of mosquitoes need to live near water to thrive. It’s where they breed, lay eggs, and hatch young. Without a water source, mosquitoes could go extinct.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquitoes are notorious for spreading diseases. These little insects are known as vectors, which means they are responsible for spreading disease from animal to animal.
Diseases transmitted by a mosquito bite are mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes can transmit the Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue, malaria, and more to humans.
- West Nile Virus: People, horses, and even birds can all contract the illness known as the West Nile virus. Most West Nile virus patients exhibit no symptoms or flu-like symptoms, but some (often older patients) experience more severe sickness.
- La Crosse encephalitis: A virus called La Crosse encephalitis is spread by the Tree Hole mosquito. In Minnesota, it has been the cause of an average of 4-5 cases annually, most of which involved serious sickness in kids.
- Jamestown Canyon virus: Jamestown Canyon virus, which several distinct mosquito species may spread, is a rarely recognized illness-causing agent in people. Although it can infect people of any age, the virus is closely connected to the La Crosse virus.
- Malaria: A parasite that frequently infects a particular species of mosquito that feeds on people can result in the serious and occasionally fatal disease known as malaria. Malaria often causes severe disease, including high fevers, shivering chills, and flu-like symptoms.
- Zika: Fever, rash, headache, joint discomfort, red eyes, and muscular soreness are typical symptoms of Zika. There is no vaccination for the Zika virus, and it can cause birth defects in pregnant women.
- Dengue: Infants, young children, and adults can all be infected with dengue fever, and symptoms include mild to incapacitating high fever, severe headache, discomfort behind the eyes, aches in the muscles and joints, and rash.
These are just some of the countless diseases mosquitoes can bring to you and your family. That’s why it’s important to learn about mosquitoes and wear insect repellent outside during peak mosquito hours and to have pest control take care of a mosquito problem if there is one in your area.
Breeding Season and Reproduction
Mosquitoes prefer warmer, more humid temperatures. The length of the mosquito breeding season has extended as a result of the country’s rising temperatures due to global warming.
The locations where mosquitoes can breed have also grown as warmer climates spread into cooler regions. The majority of mosquitoes can endure temperatures of 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
What about mosquitoes and their eggs? They will start to hatch as soon as the temperature where you reside reaches these levels.
Mosquitoes may have different behavioral patterns, but they all require water. All mosquito species utilize water to lay their eggs, albeit the type varies depending on the species.
Standing water left in plant pot trays, flower pots, and other open containers around the house can develop into enticing mosquito habitats. Public hazards include open trash cans, sewage sites, and drains.
Making sure that this kind of standing water is eradicated is one of the keys to mosquito removal.
Now You Know All About Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are annoying insects, but their presence can become a serious problem if they carry diseases transmitted to your family. Now that you know about these mosquito facts, you are more aware of where the insects like to hang out and what health risks they can pose.
Want to learn more about mosquito control and how it can rid your home and yard of these pesky bugs? Check out this link about our mosquito control services!
