Did you know that you can find more than 3,500 different types of mosquitoes worldwide?
Almost everyone has been bitten by a mosquito at some point. Mosquito bites are itchy and annoying at best; at worst, they can cause the spread of diseases, including dangerous viruses and pathogens.
Are you sick of being bitten in the garden or at home? There is a lot of hearsay surrounding mosquitoes control and bite prevention; unfortunately, however, there are many myths surrounding the topic.
Here, we will debunk some of the most common myths about mosquitoes. Read on to find out more.
All Mosquitoes Bite Humans
Only female mosquitoes require human blood. Like many other flying insects, male mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant juices and are harmless.
Female mosquitoes require the proteins found in animal and human blood to help fertilize their eggs. If a mosquito has bitten you, it was a female.
Some types of mosquitoes don’t bite humans at all. However, because it is tough to distinguish between species, you should always be cautious when you see a mosquito nearby.
Be sure to wear long clothing and dump out any standing water near your home; this is where mosquitoes breed.
All Mosquitoes Carry Disease
This is another common myth. In reality, only a fraction of the mosquito population actually harbors viruses.
This means that if you get a mosquito bite, you are unlikely to catch anything. However, if you visit an area with a high rate of mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria or West Nile virus, you should take extra precautions to avoid being bitten.
If you plan a trip abroad or live in an area with high disease rates, you should get vaccinated and avoid exposure by using a mosquito net and staying indoors at dusk and dawn. Mosquitoes are most active during these times.
Eating Certain Foods Can Repel Mosquitoes
There is no scientific evidence to show that eating certain foods can naturally repel mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide in your breath, as well as dark clothing and movement. They also use their receptors to hone in on certain odors present in your sweat, but this is not affected by the food you eat.
However, research suggests that drinking beer can attract mosquitoes, so be careful next time you decide to have a cold one in your backyard.
If you want to repel mosquitoes effectively, you should use mosquito fogger machines and mosquito repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET).
Mosquito Myths Debunked
So, that’s the truth about mosquitoes. These annoying and potentially dangerous pests are often the subject of myths and old wives’ tales.
Our useful guide can help you decipher fact from fiction – and teach you how to prevent your next mosquito bite.
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