Mosquito Facts

ONLY FEMALE MOSQUITOES BITE

There are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes that can be found in virtually every part of the world. But not all mosquitoes see you as a yummy snack. While both male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant sap, only female mosquitoes bite because they need the protein from blood to produce their eggs.

MOSQUITOES HAVE HEARTY APPETITES

A blood meal's size depends on the mosquito's species and size. However, some female mosquitoes can drink their entire body weight in blood during a meal. That would be like a 200-pound person consuming 200 pounds of food for dinner. A feat I don't think anyone could complete!

MOSQUITOES DO PREFER TO BITE SOME PEOPLE OVER OTHERS

If you keep getting bitten while those around you don't, it may be because mosquitoes are attracted to some people's body chemistry over others. Mosquitoes are attracted to a combination of body heat, odor, the carbon dioxide that humans and animals emit when they breathe, and an element found in sweat know as lactic acid. These biting pests use their receptors and vision to find their victims and can spot their next meal from approximately 164 feet away.

MOSQUITOES GROW UP FAST

The Aedes albopictus and aegypti lay approximately 100 eggs at a time, and those little blood suckers mature fast. The entire Aedes mosquito life cycle—from an egg to an adult—only takes 7-10 days. Watch a video showing the life cycle of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes by clicking here

KSMC is in no way affiliated with the SC Johnson company, their Youtube channel, or the making of the linked video. This video is being shared for entertainment purposes only. By watching the video, you agree not to hold KSMC responsible or liable in any way for any information or misinformation within the linked video.

MOSQUITOES ARE MORE ACTIVE WHEN THE MOON IS FULL

The full moon is blamed for many strange occurrences, natural and imagined. A full moon can increase mosquito activity by 500%. This is because mosquitoes use visual cues to find their next meal, which is easier to do when the moon is full.

HOW LONG DO MOSQUITO BITES LAST?

The duration of the itch and signature red bump of a mosquito bite varies from person to person. The itching can last as little as a few minutes to as long as a few days.

HOW DO YOU TREAT A MOSQUITO BITE?

The most important thing to help stop itching is to stop scratching. While this may take all of your willpower, scratching a mosquito bite can make the skin more inflamed and irritated. You also risk breaking the skin, which can cause an infection and make the mosquito bite itch even more.

MOSQUITO BITE TREATMENT CHECKLIST

• Press something cold to the area to reduce blood flow, like ice or a cooling pack.

• Put calamine lotion, baking soda paste, or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on the bite to help reduce inflammation and relieve the itch.

• Take an oral antihistamine if the mosquito bite is very itchy.

Ways to prevent mosquitoes around your home

• Remove old tires or drill holes in those used for playground equipment to allow them to drain. Tires are common larval habitats for several mosquitoes that bite humans and should not be stored outdoors.

• Check boats for holding water, clear drain holes, turn over, cover, or increase the angle to aid drainage.

• Check tarps on boats or other equipment/items that may collect water in pockets or indentations.

• Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.

• Pick up broken, unused, or discarded toys that hold water.

• Pick up all beverage containers and cups.

• Replace water in birdbaths once a week.

• Replace water in pet and other animal feeding dishes or troughs at least once a week.

• Fill tree holes (hardwood trees) that hold water with spray, insulating foam sealant.

• Position garbage cans and lids so they don't hold water.

• Change water in planters, including hanging plants, at least once weekly.

• Maintain gutters, so water drains properly.

• Monitor all types of drainage pipes/systems for standing water.

• Fix dripping outdoor faucets that create pools of water.