Saturday, July 9, 2011

The Objectionable Mosquito

By Owen Jones


There are over 3,500 species of the mosquito and they have been about for more than 30 million years. The word mosquito derives from the Spanish and Portuguese word for little fly. They are comparable to crane flies and chironomid flies. Mosquitoes are a member of the Culicidae family, which means midge or gnat.

Both males and females feed on nectar and plant juices, but in some species, the female needs to feed on humans, because she requires the nutrients protein and iron to help her produce eggs. The females? feeding on humans is the reason for many infectious illnesses that affects millions of humans every year.

The adult female lays her eggs in still water. This could be a lake, bucket of water, a puddle, and in some cases, a few droplets on a plant.

The mosquito is a holometabolous insect. This means that it will go through four phases which are outlined here:

The first stage is the larvae. This is the recently hatched stage of various insects that differ considerably from the adult.

The next stage is known as the pupa. This is a non-feeding time that takes place between the larvae and the adult stages.

The pupa floats on the water and the adult mosquito will emerge from the pupa at this time. The adult mosquito lives between four and eight weeks.

The mosquito has three senses. They are chemical, visual, and heat. There are certain things that attract a mosquito to a person.

Carbon dioxide and lactic acid attract a mosquito. These are found in warm blooded mammals and birds. Normal breathing puts out these sorts of gases. Some sweat will also put off these gases.

Clothes that contrast with the backdrop will attract a mosquito also. Heat is easily detected by a mosquito.

Mosquitoes can be found in a cool spot during the day while it is hot. If they are disturbed, they will bite during this time. They are more active whilst it is cooler.

Mosquitoes are known to infect humans with numerous kinds of illnesses. They carry viruses and parasites from human to human. Some common viral diseases are malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and Chikungunya.

It is likely that more than two million individuals die from these illnesses every year. It has been found that most of these diseases are carried by ?elderly? females.

There are numerous products on the market to help prevent mosquito bites and chancing acquiring a deadly virus. Many of these products contain DEET. It is highly recommended. DEET can also be applied full strength, but 20-50% is usually powerful enough.

Some of the brand name insect repellents are: Off, Cutter, White Mountain, and Repel. There are also candles, wipes, nets, traps, and foggers obtainable on the market. There are also organic repellents on the market. You can also make your own repellent.

Smoke from campfires and mud or clay assists keep mosquitoes from biting. Some herbs, such as Rosemary, will also keep mosquitoes away.




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