When the weather starts to heat up, mosquitos will be on the hunt for new blood. You should definitely take the necessary steps to protect your family from these disease-carrying insects. They can truly take the joy out of relaxing in your backyard. Check out these seven facts about mosquitos.

 

 

The Facts

 

Water is Essential 

In order to deposit their eggs, mosquitos need standing water. However, only a small amount of water is required. Old tires, clogged rain gutters, and empty flower pots can all draw mosquitos to your property.

CO2 Detectors

As you breathe, your lungs expel a great deal of carbon dioxide. Mosquitos can detect this odorless gas from up to 75 feet away. It’s a key sign that a blood meal is somewhere nearby.

Mosquitos Hibernate

It’s no secret why you don’t see a lot of mosquitos during the wintertime. They aren’t built to withstand temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. For this reason, mosquitos typically hibernate in holes until the spring season.

Female Mosquitos Lay a Lot of Eggs

Although female mosquitos on average typically only live less than two months, they definitely make the most of their existence. A single female mosquito can easily lay up to 300 eggs at once. Before the insect finally dies, it will likely produce offspring at least three different times.

Sweating Makes You Far More Desirable to Mosquitos

Mosquitos are especially drawn to sweat. It contains an attractive chemical called octanol. If you happen to be outdoors on a humid evening, be on high alert. These insects will be immediately lured to your perspiring body.

Mosquitos Are Ancient

Mosquitos are among the oldest insects on the planet. According to scientists, they have been around for more than 200 million years. Even during the Jurassic period when dinosaurs ruled the land, mosquitos were around to wreak havoc.

Mosquitos Inject Saliva into Your Body

Before a female mosquito begins to suck your blood, it will first inject a tiny amount of saliva into your skin. The saliva contains an anticoagulant, which makes the blood flow faster. If you experience itchiness and redness upon being bitten by a mosquito, it’s your body’s reaction to the saliva. Some people’s reactions to mosquito saliva can vary.