1. There are more than 3,500 species of the mosquito and
they have been about for over 30 million years. The word
mosquito derives from the Spanish and Portuguese word
for little fly. They are similar to crane flies and chironomid
flies. Mosquitoes are a member of the Culicidae family,
which means midge or gnat.
2. Both males and females feed on nectar and plant juices,
but in some species, the female has to feed on humans,
because she needs the nutrients protein and iron to help
her produce eggs. The females? feeding on humans is the
reason for numerous infectious illnesses that has an effect
on millions of humans each year.
3. The adult female lays her eggs in standing water. This
could be a lake, bucket of water, a puddle, and in some
cases, a few droplets in a leaf.
4. The mosquito is a holometabolous insect. This means that
it will go through four phases which are outlined here:
5. The first stage is the larvae. This is the recently hatched
stage of various insects that differ significantly from the
adult.
6. The next stage is known as the pupa. This is a non-feeding
time that takes place between the larvae and the adult
stages.
7. 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.
8. The mosquito has three senses. They are chemical, visual,
and heat. There are certain items that attract a mosquito
to a person.
9. Carbon dioxide and lactic acid attract 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.
10. Garments that contrast with the backdrop will interest a
mosquito also. Heat is easily detected by a mosquito.
11. 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 while it is cooler.
12. Mosquitoes are known to infect humans with numerous
kinds of illnesses. They carry viruses and parasites from
human to human. Some common viral diseases are
malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and Chikungunya.
13. It is likely that more than two million individuals die from
these illnesses every year. It has been found that most of
these diseases are carried by ?elderly? females.
14. There are many products on the market to help avoid
mosquito bites and chancing acquiring a deadly disease.
Many of these products contain DEET. It is highly
recommended. DEET can also be applied full strength, but
20-50% is usually strong enough.
15. Some of the brand name insect repellents are: Off, Cutter,
White Mountain, and Repel. There are also candles, wipes,
nets, traps, and foggers available on the market. There are
also organic repellents on the market. You can also create
your own repellent.
16. Smoke from campfires and mud or clay assists keep
mosquitoes from biting. Some herbs, such as Rosemary,
will also keep mosquitoes away.