Mosquito Control Awareness Week in North America is one of our favourite weeks of the season. With our Canadian summer now in full swing, it's important to learn about controlling mosquito populations around your property, as well as the diseases that mosquitoes can spread if not monitored properly.
Below are some Mosquito Control FAQ's to help better understand the life and times of the mosquito.
How long do mosquito bites last?
The bumps are actually an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva. The reaction can vary from person to person, but usually bites last no more than 24 hours. Try a topical anti-itch cream or an anti-histamine such as Benadryl.
Does a mosquito have teeth?
No. A mosquito has a proboscis, which is a long, pointed mouth part used to pierce the skin. It contains two tubes; one for injecting saliva and one for drawing blood.
How many times can a mosquito bite?
A female will continue to bite and draw blood until her abdomen is full. If she is interrupted before she is full, she will fl y to the next person. After feeding, the mosquito rests for two or three days before laying her eggs, then is ready to bite again.
How do mosquitoes spread malaria?
The mosquito feeds on an infected person and picks up the Plasmodium parasite. The parasite develops in the mosquito’s body for about two weeks. When the mosquito
feeds, the Malaria parasite is passed on in saliva. They transmit West Nile virus and other diseases in similar ways.
How long does a mosquito live?
Males usually live about five to seven days, while females can live two weeks to a month, under ideal conditions. However, the females of some species hibernate during winter, so they can live several months.
Can a mosquito pass on COVID-19?
No. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
How much blood can a mosquito drink?
When its abdomen is completely full, between 0.001 and 0.01 milliliters, depending on the species.
At what range can mosquitoes detect a person?
A mosquitoes can sense plumes of carbon dioxide from human breath at several hundred feet. At under 100 feet, it can smell the odors of human skin.
How do male mosquitoes find females?
By the sound of their wings. The females can beat their wings up to 500 times per minute, and the males listen for that frequency when seeking a mate.
Why do some people get bitten more than others?
Scientists aren’t sure what makes certain people more attractive to mosquitoes. They know that mosquitoes are drawn by large amounts of carbon dioxide and heat. They also prefer the scent of cholesterol, folic acid, bacteria from drying sweat and many perfumes, colognes and shampoos.
Let mosquito.buzz help you #StayOutside all summer long, enjoying your backyard and cottage properties. Our expert team of licensed and trained technicians will visit your property every 21 days to ensure you and your family are protected from mosquitoes and the harmful diseases they carry. Contact your local branch today!
