Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes Why Are They a Problem?

Mosquitoes are widely distributed throughout North America and depending on where you live, they can be a problem all year round —even in the more northern regions. Mosquitoes can be a big problem from early spring to late fall, depending on the weather.

Mosquitoes are attracted to humans by carbon dioxide which they can detect from up to 6 metres away. Then, in order to determine that the source of the carbon dioxide isn’t something like a car or smokestack, the mosquito identifies secondary attractants such as heat, lactic acid or water vapour. These are all produced by humans as a result of respiration and muscle activity, and are released into the air from human breath and skin. Not only are mosquitoes annoying (that little buzzing in your ear that won’t go away!), but their bites can be very itchy, and some people can have a serious allergic reaction to mosquito bites. Some mosquitoes can transmit more serious illnesses, such as the West Nile virus.

Mosquito Biology

Mosquitoes are sensitive to climate conditions such as heat and wind, so they’re most often active at dawn and dusk. The timing of development of egg to adult is largely reliant on weather, other environmental factors and the species type. For certain species, mosquito eggs can survive in a dried state for as long as five years. Even after all that time, eggs can still develop into mosquitoes when development is triggered by the right climate conditions.

Factors that increase the potential for lots of mosquitoes include increased snowfall in the winter and a wet spring with lots of rain.

Mosquitoes are biting insects that feed on the blood of all mammals in order to reproduce. Only female mosquitoes “bite” and within hours of a full blood meal, the female can lay as many as 300 eggs. With multiple species hatching on different timetables all season long, it’s no wonder mosquitoes can be such a big problem for those of us trying to enjoy the outdoors.

While male mosquitoes are able to survive on plant juices and nectar, the females require blood to develop eggs (with a few rare exceptions). Humans are not the mosquito’s first choice for a blood meal. In fact, more than half of all mosquito species prefers to get their blood meal from birds, with large mammals and rodents being their second choice. If humans are bitten, it’s likely that the preferred hosts are not immediately available.

The mosquito’s mouth is made up of bristles and separate tubes. The bristles first poke a tiny hole in the skin and then two tubes are inserted into the hole. Saliva flows through one tube and the blood is sucked up through the other. The saliva has an anticoagulant that allows the blood to flow easily up through the tube. The proteins contained in the saliva and left behind in the host are what cause the skin to itch.

How to Avoid Mosquitoes

  • Wear light-coloured clothing when outside — mosquitoes prefer darker shades that radiate heat.
  • Don’t use strong fragrances — heavily scented toiletries like soap and perfume may attract mosquitoes.
  • Apply a federally registered repellent.
  • Stay inside at dawn and dusk — these are the times when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Clean up the yard — mosquitoes will lay their eggs in virtually anything that will accumulate water. As little as a tablespoon of water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  • Cut back dense vegetation where mosquitoes like to rest.

Recommended Treatment

When in a mosquito-infested area, the best protection is an insect repellent that contains DEET, such as these OFF!® products.