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- What Is A Mosquito?
Mosquitos are flying insects of the Culicidae family. The name "mosquito" is
commonly applied to over 2000 different species. In the US there around 150 recognised
species of mosquito.
- Do All Mosquitos Bite?
No. It depends on the species. Some do, some don't. Even in species that do bite humans, it is
usually only the female that bites.
- Why Do Mosquitos Bite Humans?
Food. The female mosquito needs protein for egg production and blood provides a rich
source of this.
- What Attracts Mosquitos to People?
Mosquitos appear to be attracted to a number of things, including moisture, movement and
carbon dioxide (CO2) production. The last of those is the basis behind the
well known mosquito magnet.
- Are Mosquito Bites Dangerous?
Sometimes. After a number of bites an itchy red mark can appear, although some people are
more sensitive than others. Of more concern is that mosquitoes can act as a transmission
vector for various diseases including malaria, yellow fever and West Nile Virus.
- What Is DEET?
DEET - N,N-diethly-3-methylbenzamide - is an artificial pesticide developed by the US
Army. It is effective against many insects including mosquitos and is found in many
of the preparations available on the market. Some people prefer to avoid using artificial
pesticides.
- Can Garlic Deter Mosquitos?
Garlic has a reputation for deterring many pests including mosquitos and their relative,
the Scottish biting midge. Coating the skin with a garlic based jelly has been shown to
keep mosquitos away and there is anecdotal evidence that eating garlic might also be
effective. Given the possible dangers from mosquito bites I don't recommend you rely on
garlic alone!
- Why Not Just Use A Bug Zapper?
Bug Zappers can be a cheap, effective way of protecting an area in the short term. However
they are totally indiscriminate, attracting and killing many insects including beneficial
ones - some of which might be mosquito predators!
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