As the weather warms, we all look forward to summer days. But what we don’t get excited about are those buzzing little creatures that can buzz in our ears, suck our blood and leave us itching for days. These critters have a bad reputation, and there’s a good reason for that since they leave us desperate to find ways to exercise mosquito control. On the other hand, these intricate little insects are also rather interesting.
Here are five facts you probably didn’t know about mosquitoes:
1. The Buzz on Flying
Mosquitoes make that buzzing sound for mating. The sound of the wings between a male and female mosquito synchronize when they meet potential mates. Mosquito wings beat between 300 and 600 times per second. Even though their wings are moving very quickly, mosquitoes only fly at a rate between 1 and 1.5 miles per hour. In the world of insects, this is actually fairly slow.
2. How Mosquitoes Find Hosts
Mosquitoes find human hosts by their attraction to their breath, sweat, and warmth. Mosquito antennae contain special sensors which are drawn to carbon dioxide that humans breathe out. They are also drawn to the lactic acid and octanol found in the sweat. In addition, they are drawn to the infra-red radiation that warm bodies emit, as well as observing movement with their sight. All of this can happen at a distance of approximately 20-30 yards away.
Read More: Tips for Protecting Yourself Against Mosquito Bites
Because of the fact that larger people give off more lactic acid and carbon dioxide, this means that a larger person may be more likely to attract mosquitoes than a smaller person would be. In addition, people who are active (or even those who simply fidget a lot) are likely to produce more lactic acid in their sweat and breathe out more carbon dioxide, potentially making them more susceptible to mosquito bites. In addition, wearing lighter colored clothing may keep your body cooler, which draws in fewer mosquitoes. Mosquito treatment may also be an effective means of keeping these annoying pests away from your home and your family.
3. Blood Is Used for Reproduction
Mosquitoes don’t actually eat blood for themselves. Only female mosquitoes suck blood, but they do it for the nourishment of their eggs and not for their own sustenance. In fact, they need to eat the blood in order to be able to lay their eggs. The average size mosquito takes in approximately 5-millionths of a liter of blood during each feeding. Males actually feed on flower nectar.
4. You’re Most Likely Allergic to Mosquito Saliva
Most people are allergic to mosquito saliva. Contains an anti-coagulant that helps her to suck your blood more easily. It your immune system’s allergic response that causes your skin to swell and turn into a red, itchy bump. This saliva is also how mosquitoes transmit diseases, which is why it is extremely important to exercise mosquito control
5. Mosquitoes Are the Deadliest Creatures on Earth
Wait, what? That doesn’t sound quite right! Something so tiny? But it’s absolutely true. More deaths around the world are associated with mosquitoes than any other animal on our planet. Mosquitoes carry a host of diseases that can kill, including dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, or encephalitis. Heartworms are also carried by mosquitoes, which can be deadly to your dog.
Read More: What You Need to Know about Zika Virus
Although not all mosquitoes carry deadly diseases, why take the risk? Taking advantage of professional mosquito control in Houston is one of the best ways to make sure that your family and pets are as safe as possible from these potentially deadly creatures.
