If you thought you knew all there was to know about mosquitoes, these facts might surprise you.
We all know mosquitoes are a nuisance; they invade our backyards, sneak into our homes, and make going outdoors a far less enjoyable experience. However, there are a lot of things that you probably don’t know about these insects, such as how many species there are and what makes humans so attractive to them in the first place. Since we at Mosquito Authority believe that education is an important aspect of mosquito control, we put together some fun (or not-so-fun) facts that you probably didn’t know about mosquitoes.
1. Only female mosquitoes bite humans
It might seem like every mosquito in the world is out to get you, but in reality, female mosquitoes are the only ones who bite humans. While male mosquitoes are able to live off of the nectar from flowers, female mosquitoes need blood in order to lay eggs.
2. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in shallow water
Because female mosquitoes prefer to lay their eggs in shallow water or other damp areas, it is important to remove any areas of stagnant water near your home. Less standing water means less room for mosquitoes to breed!
3. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide
If you’ve ever wondered why mosquitoes are attracted to humans, here’s one reason: these insects are drawn to the odor of the carbon dioxide that we naturally exhale. In addition to this, mosquitoes are also attracted to lactic acid and octenol, both of which are found in human breath and sweat.
4. Not all mosquitoes feed on humans
With over 3,000 species of mosquito in the world, it might be hard to believe that only some of them bite humans. And, according to National Geographic, only about 3 mosquito species are responsible for spreading human diseases.
5. Mosquitoes are deadlier than you think
They might be small, but mosquitoes are one of the deadliest species on earth. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes them as the world’s deadliest animal, as they kill more humans than any other species on the planet.
6. Blood type matters when it comes to mosquito bites
You have probably noticed that some people you know are more prone to mosquito bites than others. Well, it turns out that mosquitoes are most attracted to people with type O blood, and tend to be less drawn to humans with type A and B blood.
7. Wearing dark clothing increases your risk of being bitten
According to the American Mosquito Control Association, some mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing. If you’re planning on spending time outdoors, try wearing light-colored clothing to reduce your risk of being bitten.
8. Mosquitoes have been around for a long time
To be more specific, the American Mosquito Control Association estimates that these insects have been around for about 400 million years.
At Mosquito Authority, we want to do everything we can to ensure you and your family are protected from these insects. Call us today to schedule a mosquito treatment with us and reclaim your outdoor area.