Mosquitoes, the tiny, buzzing, annoying companions of our summer adventures. Before you grab the bug spray, let’s dive into some interesting facts about these little pests.
Here are some interesting facts about mosquitoes that you might not already know!
Only Female Mosquitoes Bite
Many people assume all these pesky insects bite, but it may surprise you to find out female mosquitoes are responsible for those itchy, annoying bites. Unlike their male counterparts, who are content with nectar from plants, female mosquitoes require a protein found in our blood to develop their eggs.
Mosquitoes Are Attracted to Our Breath
Mosquitoes have an interesting way of tracking down their next meal – they have a keen sense for carbon dioxide, the gas we naturally exhale while breathing. The scent of our breath leads these pests straight to us for their next feasts.
Mosquitoes Are the Deadliest Animal in the World
Believe it or not, the world’s deadliest animal isn’t crocodiles, sharks, or tigers.
Mosquitoes are vectors (carriers) for a number of diseases that are harmful to humans, such as Zika, Malaria, and Dengue Fever. In fact, their role in spreading these illnesses earns them the distinction of being the deadliest animal on the planet!
Some Mosquitoes Hibernate During the Winter
Some mosquito species will die off when winter comes, and temperatures drop. But there are other species that survive the winter by entering a state of dormancy, similar to hibernation. Cold-blooded mosquitoes and larvae can withstand freezing temperatures and resume their breeding cycle once spring comes and temperatures begin rising again.
Mosquitoes Can Lay Their Eggs in Tiny Amounts of Water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water or damp soil, but they don’t need a large amount of water to lay their eggs. Some species of mosquitoes can lay eggs in as little as one teaspoon of water! That’s why it’s so important to regularly empty areas of standing water near or around your home.
Mosquitoes Have Short Life Spans
Male mosquitoes only live about 6 or 7 days on average. Female mosquitoes with an adequate food supply can live up to 5 months or longer, with the average life span being about 6 weeks! Although their lifecycle is short, by the time adult mosquitoes are dying off, their eggs are hatching replenishing the mosquito population.
Mosquitoes Like the Smell of Sweat
Mosquitoes have a knack for detecting human sweat because of the lactic acid, ammonia, and other compounds our sweat contains. So, if you’re the type who tends to break a sweat or partakes in outdoor activities during hot summer days, you might just find yourself on the receiving end of more mosquito attention than you’d prefer.
There Are Thousands of Species of Mosquitoes
According to the American Mosquito Control Association, there are about 2,700 species of mosquitoes throughout the world. Of those 2,700, 176 species can be found in the United States.
Say Goodbye to Mosquitoes!
Despite knowing these interesting facts about mosquitoes, we understand the headache and stress that comes with dealing with these pests.
If you’re tired of dealing with mosquitoes while trying to enjoy your outdoor space, we can help! MissQuito offers safe and effective mosquito control solutions to protect you and your family from the dangers and nuisance of mosquitoes. Call us today at 833-GO-MISSQ or sign up today!