Facts
- All Mosquitoes must have water in which to complete their life cycle
- Mosquitoes have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult
- Only seven days are required during warm weather to complete their life cycle
- Mosquitoes never develop in grass or shrubbery although the flying adults frequently rest there during daylight hours
- Only the female mosquito bites. She needs the protein from blood to develop her eggs.
- A mosquito only weighs 1/25,000 of an ounce!
- Male mosquitoes tend to hatch earlier than female mosquitoes and have a shorter life span.
- Dog Heartworm is now fairly common in several parts of the U.S. and is transmitted by mosquitoes. This disease can cause significant damage to the heart, lungs, and other vital organs of dogs. It is crucial that your dog visits the veterinarian each year to obtain preventive medicine.
- Mosquitoes actually inject their saliva into your skin to prevent blood clotting before they take your blood. This substance and your body's reaction to it is what makes your skin bump up and itch.
- Mosquitoes are attracted to humans for a number of reasons. We exhale carbon dioxide which is an attractant for all biting insects. Other substances on our skin may also be attractive to mosquitoes such as certain body chemicals, along with soaps, lotions, perfumes, and hair care products.
- Light colors are less attractive to mosquitoes than dark.
- Loose fitting clothes make it more difficult for them to bite you.
- Tires, birdbaths, flower pots, rain barrels, children’s toys, abandoned pools, tarps, boats, and many other outdoor items as well as low-lying ground and ditches can all breed mosquitoes if they are holding water. It is important to monitor, drain, or empty these items 1-2 times per week
Protect Yourself
You can protect yourself from mosquito bites inside your home by screening windows and doors. Outside your home you can wear protective clothing and apply insect repellent to the exposed parts of your body.
Q: What is a Vector? A vector is any insect or arthropod, rodent or other animal of public health significance capable of harboring or transmitting the causative agents of human disease, or capable of causing human discomfort or injury.
- Use Insect Repellent
- Wear long sleeve shirt and pants
- Drain ALL standing water!
- Stay Indoors during peak feeding times
You can protect yourself from mosquito bites inside your home by screening windows and doors. Outside your home you can wear protective clothing and apply insect repellent to the exposed parts of your body.
Q: What is a Vector? A vector is any insect or arthropod, rodent or other animal of public health significance capable of harboring or transmitting the causative agents of human disease, or capable of causing human discomfort or injury.
