Interesting Mosquito Facts

Mosquitoes are one of the most unpleasant things about summer. How much do you actually know about this tiny, annoying, blood-sucking pest? Here are some interesting facts about mosquitoes and useful tips for dealing with this common summer pest.

Facts About Mosquitoes

Did you know that mosquitoes are the deadliest creature on Earth? Mosquitoes carry deadly diseases like malaria, Zika, encephalitis, dengue fever, yellow fever, and more, making mosquito bites so deadly. They also carry heartworm, which makes them deadly to dogs.

Malaria alone infects 250 million people a year and causes about one million deaths. Most of those deaths are of children bitten by mosquitoes.

Mosquito eggs need moisture to hatch – but they can dry out and still revive to hatch if exposed to water.

Adult mosquitoes can live 5-6 months, but they generally don’t last that long. Female mosquitoes only tend to last 2-3 weeks because they are the ones that bite humans which makes them more likely to be smacked and killed.

Male mosquitoes eat nectar, not blood. The female mosquito needs the protein in blood to produce eggs.

Mosquito wings beat 300-600 times per second. This is why you hear that buzzing as they fly near you.

Despite the number of their wing beats, mosquitoes actually fly slowly. Their average flight speed is 1-1.5 miles an hour. That makes them slower than butterflies, bees, and locusts.

Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide. It’s one of the ways they find people and animals to sting – by the carbon dioxide they give off in their breath.

Mosquitoes are about 200 million years old because they were around during the dinosaurs. Scientists have found proof of mosquitoes in the Triassic Period. So yes, the first Jurassic Park movie was right about that.

The United States has 175 species of mosquitoes. Worldwide, more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes exist.

While mosquitoes usually live close to where they feed or lay eggs, that’s not always the case. Salt marsh mosquitoes will fly up to 100 miles away.

HOW CAN I PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES?

1. Remove any standing water or water-filled containers. That includes birdbaths, wading pools, etc. – or clean them out at least once a week.
2. Limit outdoor activities in the early morning and late afternoon when they are most active.
3. Wear long sleeves, long pants, light-colored clothes. The insect repellent DEET is also effective.

Arrow Exterminates Mosquitoes

Avoid the aggravation and dangers of mosquitoes by calling Arrow Exterminating. The experts at Arrow will help you identify if you have a problem, explain our plan to eradicate your infestation, and give you the peace of mind you need. To get started, contact Arrow Exterminating today.