Frequently Asked Questions About Mosquitoes ¹

1. Why are mosquito populations higher some years compared to others?
   Mosquito populations fluctuate depending mostly on rainfall.  Frequent rainstorms create more standing water and therefore, more mosquitoes.
2. How much will it cost to call Bay County Mosquito Control for service?
   If you have a mosquito problem, please call the office.  There is no fee for service.  Bay County residents, however, pay taxes that provide the funds (.45 mills) for program operation.
3. How many species of mosquitoes are in the world and in Michigan?
   There are about 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide and about 60 species in Michigan.
4. How long to mosquitoes live?
   Depending on the species, mosquitoes can live several weeks to a month or more.  Females live longer than males.
5. How much blood does a female mosquito drink per serving?
   About 5 millionths of a quart (for an Aedes aegypti)
6. Why do we itch after a mosquito bites?
   The itching we feel from a mosquito bite is our body's reaction to the anticoagulant injected with the female mosquito's saliva as she takes blood.
7. What attracts a female mosquito to a human?
   Carbon dioxide (CO₂), our breath, is a proven attractant.  Warm bodies, dark-colored clothing, and scents like perfume and
   deodorant also attract female mosquitoes.
8. What is the most effective protection against biting insects?
   The most effective treatment is a repellent containing DEET.
9. Are mosquitoes active in inclement weather?
   Mosquitoes are not active on windy or cool days.  We do not fog for adult mosquitoes with nighttime spray trucks, therefore, when weather conditions are not conducive.
10. What do male mosquitoes do?
    Male mosquitoes fertilize the females and feed on nectar.  Male mosquitoes, which usually emerge shortly before females, form a mating swarm when females emerge.  Females mate only once and store sperm that will later fertilize the eggs she lays.
11. Why are mosquitoes controlled in the larval stage?
    The most effective and economical way to control mosquitoes is to prevent them from emerging as biting adults.

 

¹  http://whyfiles.org/016skeeter/index.html
    www.mosquitoes.com

 

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