Mosquitos
Mosquitos are insects belonging to the order Diptera, the True Flies. Like all True Flies, they have two wings, but unlike other flies, mosquito wings have scales. Female mosquitos' mouthparts form a long piercing-sucking proboscis. Males differ from females by having feathery antennae and mouthparts not suitable for piercing skin. A mosquito's principal food is nectar or similar sugar source.
Lifecycle of a mosquito
Like all insects, mosquitos hatch from eggs and go through several stages in their life cycle before becoming adults. The females lay their eggs in water and the larva and pupa stages live entirely in water. When the pupas change into adults, they leave the water and become free-flying land insects. The lifecycle of a mosquito can vary from one to several weeks depending upon the species (the adult, mated females of some species can survive the winter in cool, damp places until spring, when they will lay their eggs and die.)
How do mosquitos find you?
A mosquito has a battery of sensors designed to track their prey, including: a) Chemical sensors - mosquitos can sense carbon dioxide and lactic acid up to 100 feet (36 meters) away. Mammals and birds gives off these gases as part of their normal breathing. Certain chemicals in sweat also seem to attract mosquitos (people who don't sweat much don't get nearly as many mosquito bites).
b) Visual sensors - if you are wearing clothing that contrasts with the background, and especially if you move while wearing that clothing, mosquitos can see you and zero in on you. It's a good bet that anything moving is "alive", and therefore full of blood, so this is a good strategy.
c) Heat sensors - Mosquitos can detect heat, so they can find warm-blooded mammals and birds very easily once they get close enough.
What are some diseases caused by mosquitos?
Mosquitos can carry many types of diseases that are caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses.
These diseases include:
a) Malaria disease
Malaria disease is caused by a parasite that is transmitted by an Anopheles mosquito. The parasite grows in your bloodstream and can produce symptoms that develop anywhere from six to eight days to several months after infection. Malaria symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches and general malaise (similar to flu symptoms). Malaria disease is a severe disease that can be fatal, but can be treated with anti-malarial drugs and prevented by vaccinations. Malaria is prevalent in tropical or sub-tropical climates.
b) Yellow Fever
Yellow fever does not occur in the United States, but is prevalent in Africa and is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Yellow fever symptoms are similar to malaria symptoms, but also includes nausea, vomiting and jaundice. Like malaria, yellow fever can be fatal. There is no treatment for the disease itself, only the symptoms. Yellow fever can be controlled by vaccination and mosquito control system.
c) Encephalitis
Encephalitis is caused by viruses that are transmitted by mosquitos such as the Aedes mosquitos or Culiseta mosquitos. Encephalitis symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, headache, confusion and laziness/sleepiness. There are several types of encephalitis that can be transmitted by mosquitos, including St. Louis , Western equine , Eastern equine , La Crosse and West Nile. West Nile virus encephalitis is on the rise in the eastern United States, which has raised concerns about mosquito control system.
d) Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, which is native to East Asia and was found in the United States in 1985. It is also transmitted by Aedes aegypti in the tropics. Dengue fever is caused by a virus that produces a range of illnesses, from viral flu to hemorrhagic fever. It is especially dangerous for children.
How do I prevent mosquito bites?
- When you are outdoors, repel mosquitos with natural DEET free insect repellents.
- Many mosquitos are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to repel mosquitos with Bugs BeGone mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours. Light colored clothing can help you see mosquitos that land on you.
- Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to prevent mosquito bites.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
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