Mos
quitoes are one of the few animals that can strike fear into the hearts of people all around the world. No one wants to wake up to a red, itchy bump or worse, contract a mosquito-borne disease. Despite being such a common pest, there are many interesting facts about mosquitoes that many people do not know about. Here are some mosquito cold facts:
1. Mosquitoes Do Not Actually Bite
Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes do not actually bite. Instead, they insert a proboscis into the skin which they use to suck blood. The proboscis is made up of two tubes; one that injects saliva into the skin to prevent blood clotting and the other that sucks out blood. The saliva is what causes the redness, swelling, and itchiness that is typically associated with mosquito "bites."
2. Only Female Mosquitoes Feed on Blood
Male mosquitoes feed on nectar, plant sap, and other sugary liquids, while female mosquitoes require blood for the development of their eggs. Female mosquitoes also tend to bite more often than males, mainly because they require more nutrients for their eggs to develop.
3. Mosquitoes Are Drawn to Certain Types of People
Mosquitoes are attracted to things like carbon dioxide, sweat, body odor, and heat. This means that people who are exercising, have higher body temperatures, or are wearing dark clothing are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are also more attracted to certain blood types and pregnant women, likely due to the increase in blood flow to the skin.
4. Mosquitoes Have Been Around for Millions of Years
Fossils of mosquitoes have been found that date back as far as the Jurassic era, which was over 200 million years ago. The ancient mosquitoes are thought to have fed on the blood of dinosaurs!
5. Mosquitoes Can Transmit Deadly Diseases
Mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting a number of deadly diseases to humans, including malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika virus. In fact, it is estimated that mosquitoes are responsible for over 1 million deaths each year worldwide.
6. Mosquitoes Can Fly Up to 25 Miles Per Hour
For such small insects, mosquitoes are surprisingly fast. They are able to fly at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, which is quite impressive given their size.
7. DEET is the Most Effective Mosquito Repellent
There are many different products on the market that claim to repel mosquitoes, but DEET is widely considered to be the most effective. DEET is a chemical compound that works by interfering with the mosquito's sense of smell, making it difficult for them to locate humans.
In conclusion, mosquitoes are fascinating creatures that have been around for millions of years. While they may be annoying and potentially deadly, understanding more about their behavior can help us to protect ourselves and limit their spread of disease. So next time you find yourself swatting away a mosquito, remember that you are dealing with a creature that has survived for millions of years!
