Mosquitoes

We become especially aware of mosquitoes every summer while outdoors in the warmer months. Sometimes we see full swarms or just a single mosquito and know that they are ready to drink some blood and cause itches and irritations to our skin.

Other than being a nuisance, mosquitoes can be a real threat to our health. Mosquitoes can carry a number of illnesses that are a serious threat to both humans and animals. Over a short period of time, for instance, the West Nile Fever has been brought to the United States and has now occurred in every state. A single mosquito bite can also cause malaria, dengue fever, and encephalitis. Because they drink the blood of animals and humans, they can easily get infected and then pass that infection on to another creature.

Only the female mosquito will drink your blood, as the male mosquito does not need to do this. Mosquitoes, in general, do not need blood to live, as they actually feed on nectar. The female needs blood to help in the process of laying her eggs. Once the eggs are laid, a female mosquito will seek out more blood in order to lay more eggs. She will do this throughout her short life span, which lasts about two weeks.

Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other insect. This means that mosquito control is a must for human health and well-being. There are several varieties of mosquitoes, and some are capable of carrying more deadly diseases than others.

Mosquito insecticide is often used on a wide-scale basis to kill mosquitoes and is usually very effective. A new variety of mosquito - a heartier one that is not bothered by direct sunlight - had come to US shores and had brought West Nile Fever with them. In recent years, especially when West Nile Fever first came to the US, major cities were sprayed day and night to prevent the spread of the disease.

If you have land features that are prone to breed mosquitoes, such as swamps, heavy rainfall or even old tires, then you may need to talk to a pest control agent to see what you can do to keep the mosquito population down on your property. Different mosquitoes do need different treatments. A mosquito trap may also be necessary to keep them under control.