10 Interesting Facts About Mosquitoes
Summer is one of my favorite seasons, the longer days, warm weather, barbecues and not to mention the start of festival season. Unfortunately, there is an insect that loves to ruin a good picnic, mosquitoes!
However, after talking to our expert entomologists for advice on how to prevent mosquitoes and doing some of my own research, I came across some rather interesting facts. So here are 10 interesting mosquito facts you need to know!
1. Only Female Mosquitos’ Bite
I was a little surprised about this, as I thought all mosquitoes bite, but no, it’s only the females that like to use us as a delicious midnight treat.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?
Female mosquitoes bite to feed on your blood. The protein and other compounds provide mosquitoes with a tasty treat that is essential in helping them produce and develop their eggs.
2. Mosquitoes Are The Deadliest Animals In The World
When someone mentions the term “world’s deadliest animals”, you probably start thinking of sharks, tigers, crocodiles and other ferocious creatures.
Well, it may shock you to learn that they are actually mosquitoes. Why? Well, it is to harmful diseases that they are known to spread.
Mosquito Diseases
Mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of several harmful diseases such as Malaria, Zika and Dengue to name a few. Rentokil Initial UK has proudly supported Malaria No More UK since 2011 based on our common goal to fight malaria
3. The Average Mosquito Would Be Terrible At The Olympics
Now I’m not talking about the Brazil Summer Olympics with the threat of Zika, I’m talking about whether mosquitoes entered the Olympics with all the other bugs.
Compared to other insects such as flies and wasps, mosquitoes are not the strongest and are quite slow. It’s estimated that these biting insects can only fly at speeds between 1-1.5mph, so you can’t expect them to break Usain Bolt’s 100m world record any time soon!
4. Mosquitoes Are Big Fans Of Dirty Dancing
Well, I don’t know if that’s 100% accurate because I didn’t ask any mosquitoes what their favorite movie was, but like Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze in the hit 80s movie, mosquitoes have their own unique dance.
It has been discovered that before mating, mosquitoes engage in a kind of dance that involves flapping their wings in a way that calls and responds. Incredible isn’t it!
5. Mosquitoes Love CO2
To be honest, they are a bit addicted to it. Carbon dioxide is one of the main ways mosquitoes locate their next feast. They use a special organ called the maxillary palp to track the smell of CO2 released by our breath.
6. There Are Many Species Of Mosquitoes
And I mean a lot!
You can also find out about the most common mosquito species in the UK on our websites.
7. Mosquitoes Are Greedy
We all know that mosquitoes like to enjoy the taste of human blood. But did you know that they can drink a ridiculous amount of blood based on their body size.
Studies have revealed that mosquitoes are able to drink 3 times their own body weight in blood. Now that’s a lot!
8. Mosquitoes Don’t Live Long
Luckily, you don’t have to worry about a mosquito becoming the bane of your existence, causing itchy bites for eternity. Why? Well, these biting insects have a very short lifespan.
9. Mosquitoes Are Really Old
Mosquitoes are as old as dinosaurs, with evidence of these biting insects dating back to the Triassic period!
If you’ve seen the movie Jurassic Park, it’s no surprise because you’ll know that they used the blood found in fossilized mosquitoes to clone the nefarious creatures to fill the park.
10. Mosquitoes Don’t Just Bite Humans
So, after reading fact 6, you might be a little scared due to the number of mosquitoes. Who are there. But don’t worry because not all mosquitoes crave human blood. Some species prefer to consume their blood cravings from other animals such as frogs and birds.
If you have any concerns about mosquitoes in your home or business, contact the experts at the top facts today!