Among the most often asked questions in bar quizzes is, “What animal kills the most people each year?” People usually respond with “other humans” because they believe it to be a trick question. The human race comes in at a close second. Yet, mosquitoes account for about twice as many annual human deaths.
A mosquito bite is probably the thing that comes to mind first when you think of a mosquito. Female mosquitoes develop their eggs using the proteins found in mammalian blood. Their large jaws allow them to pierce the skin and drain blood. The itching lump that develops after being bitten by one of these insects is the result of an allergic response to the saliva in its bite. This reaction might take anywhere from a few days to many weeks. It can even leave scars if the reaction is that bad.
The most prevalent complaint about mosquitoes is the discomfort caused by their bites. The summer fun can be ruined (or, at least be more annoying) for days or weeks if someone has a bad reaction to the bite or gets ill from a bite. Mosquitoes are notorious for spreading some of the worst illnesses on the planet. It is possible for their saliva to spread viruses across hosts when they bite more than one person.
In contrast to other common pests, scientists have yet to determine the worth of mosquitoes to the ecosystem. Most insects that humans consider pests—including spiders, flies, centipedes, and others—actually play important roles in the ecosystem. However, it is uncertain whether there would be any ecological implications at all if mosquitoes were exterminated tomorrow. So, besides being a potentially lethal bug and a general nuisance, they seem to be mostly useless!
Mosquito Types and Potential Risks
There are over 180 different mosquito species in the US, and many more worldwide. Although mosquito populations tend to be highest in warm, humid environments of the southern and coastal regions, you may find them all around the United States.
Mosquitoes, with a few notable exceptions, are at their most active when the temperature stays persistently over 50 degrees. During this time, many regions enjoy their “Ideal” weather, which usually spans from spring to fall in the Northeast United States. Others have year-round biting by mosquitoes. Since the sun may be harmful to some mosquito types, those species choose to feed mostly between dawn and night.
Many mosquitoes in the United States are considered pests, and they may generally be broken down into three groups:
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Aedes Mosquitoes – are among the most frequent pest species because they prefer humans as a feeding source, reproduce in water that gathers in containers and waste, and bite during the day. They also carry the most mosquito-borne infections. The majority of states in the United States have Aedes mosquitos.- Culex Mosquitoes – Mosquitoes of the Culex genus are the primary vectors of West Nile Virus and prey on birds and humans. They bite at night and are more prone to come inside. They may be found all throughout North America.
- Anopheles Mosquitoes – These mosquitos, which prefer humans and other animals as prey, may spread malaria, which has been nearly eliminated in the United States. They lay eggs in freshwater, bite from dark to daylight, and are capable of coming inside. This genus of mosquitoes is only found in the eastern and western states.
Aedes MosquitoesAlthough mosquitoes of different genera have somewhat different breeding habits and preferred habitats, the widespread commonalities among them make it such that the same pest treatments may be used against all mosquito species. On average, female mosquitoes may deposit up to 250 eggs on the water’s surface at once. Larvae and pupae of mosquitoes spend between one and three months in the water before emerging as adults, at which time they immediately begin eating.
Only the female feeds on human blood since she needs it to produce and hatch her eggs. Males and females both consume nectar and plant matter while not laying eggs. It’s possible that a female just needs one blood meal to reproduce for the remainder of her life, but it’s also possible that she has to feed before each laying. Blood meals are more prevalent – and hazardous – among pest species, although this varies greatly from species to species.
The carbon dioxide given out by a human’s breath may be detected by a mosquito from up to 100 feet away. Mosquitoes may detect human odor at closer range.
Each professional pest control company handles mosquitoes in a different way, so it’s important to find out how they deal with them before you hire them. If you know what you want and what options you have, you can be sure that the company you choose will have the right choices for you.