What’s not to love about summer? Well, mosquitoes are one thing most people aren’t crazy about. These pesky critters buzz in your ears and can inflict itchy bites. More seriously, they can also spread diseases like West Nile Virus, Zika virus, Dengue, and Malaria. And who wants to worry about mosquitoes on your New Caney property when you’re trying to grill, entertain, and enjoy time with your family and friends?
Think you know everything there is to know about mosquitoes? The more you know, the better you can prepare, and the less you have to worry. See some interesting facts you may not have known about mosquitoes below.
Facts About Mosquitoes
1. There are several mosquito species.
There are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes around the world, about 175 of which can be found in the United States. They are generally classified into those species that breed in rivers, ponds, swamps, and other deposits of water (even in buckets and soda pop bottle tops in your yard) vs. those that can lay their eggs in damp soil where they wait until flood water or heavy rains come along to allow the eggs to develop.
2. Mosquitoes are among the “world’s deadliest animals.”
Whaaaat? You were probably thinking sharks, lions, tigers, bears, crocs, etc. Because of their ability to spread potentially fatal diseases so quickly and over such a widespread area, the death toll from mosquito-borne diseases is reaches about three-quarters of a million each year.
3. Only female mosquitoes bite. Many people just assume that mosquitoes, all mosquitoes, just bite. Females need a bloodmeal before they can mate and lay eggs.
4. Mosquitoes engage in a mating “dance.”
Mosquitoes have been noted to engage in a sort of mating dance in which they beat their wings in certain patterns to communicate back and forth.
5. Mosquitoes are weak fliers.
Compared to other flying insects (e.g., wasps and flies), mosquitoes really aren’t strong fliers. They are actually quite slow and lethargic in their movements. They might seem quick, but they really can only fly about one to one-and-a-half miles per hour.
6. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide.
That’s how they find you to bite you. They detect your exhaled CO2 (as well as your sweat). There’s not much you can do about your breath, but you can definitely wear light, neutral colors outside and wash your hands and face frequently to help keep mosquitoes away.
7. Mosquitoes are thirsty!
Studies have shown that mosquitoes can consume up to 3 times their own body weight in blood.
8. Mosquitoes have short life spans.
Some mosquito species are able to overwinter and live for up to several months, but most mosquitoes don’t live more than 6 to 8 weeks. They do reproduce prolifically, however.
9. Mosquitoes attack other animals.
Not all mosquitoes feed on human blood. Some species feed off of reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
10. Mosquitoes have been around for a long time.
Which brings us to this fact: mosquitoes were around on the earth along with the dinosaurs, according to fossils found that date back to the Triassic period. We’re not alone in dealing with these pesky biting insects!
Mosquitoes are potentially dangerous pests that you want to do everything you can to avoid. There are plenty of preventive measures you can put into place, but ultimately, if you want the job done right, and if you want to save time and money in the long run, call our New Caney, TX pest control experts today at 832.898. 0190 or email us at [email protected]! Leave your weekends and downtime for family and friends.
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