The Pesty Mosquito

There are over 3,500 species of the mosquito and they have been around for over 30 million years. The word mosquito comes from the Spanish and Portuguese word for little fly. They resemble crane flies and chironomid flies. Mosquitoes are a member of the Culicidae family, which means midge or gnat.

Both males and females feed on nectar and plant juices, but in some species, the female needs to feed on humans, because she requires the nutrients protein and iron to help her produce eggs. The females’ feeding on humans is the reason for numerous infectious diseases that affects millions of humans each year.

The adult female lays her eggs in still water. This could be a lake, bucket of water, a puddle, and in some cases, a few droplets on a plant.

The mosquito is a holometabolous insect. This means that it will go through four phases which are outlined here:

The first stage is the larvae. This is the recently hatched phase of various insects that differ significantly from the adult.

The next stage is called the pupa. This is a non-feeding time that takes place between the larvae and the adult stages.

The pupa floats on the water and the adult mosquito will emerge from the pupa at this time. The adult mosquito lives between four and eight weeks.

The mosquito has three senses. They are chemical, visual, and heat. There are certain items that draw a mosquito to a person.

Carbon dioxide and lactic acid appeal to a mosquito. These are found in warm blooded mammals and birds. Normal breathing puts out these sorts of gases. Some sweat will also put off these gases.

Clothes that contrast with the backdrop will attract a mosquito also. Heat is easily detected by a mosquito.

Mosquitoes can be discovered in a cool spot during the day whilst it is hot. If they are disturbed, they will bite during this time. They are more active when it is cooler.

Mosquitoes are known to infect humans with many sorts of diseases. They carry viruses and parasites from human to human. Some common viral illnesses are malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and Chikungunya.

It is likely that more than two million people die from these illnesses annually. It has been found that most of these diseases are carried by "elderly" females.

There are numerous products on the market to help avoid mosquito bites and chancing getting a deadly infection. Lots of these products contain DEET. It is extremely recommended. DEET can also be applied full strength, but 20-50% is normally strong enough.

Some of the trademark name insect repellents are: Off, Cutter, White Mountain, and Repel. There are also candles, wipes, nets, traps, and foggers obtainable on the market. There are also organic repellents on the market. You can also make your own repellent.

Smoke from campfires and mud or clay assists stop mosquitoes from biting. Some herbs, such as Rosemary, will also keep mosquitoes at bay.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece writes on a number of topics, but is currently concerned with finding a home remedy for mosquito bites. If you would like to know more, please go to our website at Getting Rid of Mosquito Bites.