Know the facts to prevent mosquitoes from bugging you

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Sean Reiling
  • 319th Medical Squadron
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  * Keep grass and shrubs trimmed. Mosquitoes take cover in shaded areas during hot sunny days
* Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants.
* Apply repellants to clothing and exposed skin. Repellants containing DEET have been proven to be most effective. For casual use, products with 10%-35% DEET will provide adequate protection for most conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that repellants used on children contain no more than 10% DEET. Always read and follow directions on label.
* Use screens on windows and doors
* If possible, avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
* Use yellow light bulbs for outdoor lighting purposes

Mosquito Facts:
* All mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle. It usually takes about 10-14 days for mosquitoes to complete their life cycle in the local area.

* Mosquitoes do not develop in grass or shrubbery. These areas are simply resting and shelter areas. Although floodwater mosquitoes may lay their eggs in grassy areas, they will not hatch out of the egg until they are joined with water. Mosquitoes generally take cover in shaded areas during hot sunny days to avoid the heat.

* Mosquitoes can fly a considerable distance; some species remain close to their larval habitat, while other will fly 10 to 20 miles or more in search of food.

* Only female mosquitoes bite. Female mosquitoes draw blood for the needed protein enrichment required to lay eggs. Only after receiving a blood meal is a female mosquito capable of laying eggs. Male mosquitoes feed on nectar from plants.

* A female mosquito can lay up to 200 eggs at a time and these eggs can survive for several years before becoming emerged with water and hatching into the larvae stage. Some species of mosquitoes lay their eggs directly on the water's surface; others leave their eggs in an area that will flood at a later date.

* Not all species of mosquitoes bite humans; some prefer birds, others horses, and some will bite frogs or turtles.

* Mosquitoes are responsible for more human death than any other living creature. In the United States mosquitoes are mostly a nuisance, however worldwide mosquitoes transmit disease to more than 700 million people annually and will be responsible for the death of 1 of every 17 people currently alive *. The World Health Organization reports malaria causes as many as 3 million deaths annually.

* There are approximately 170 species of mosquitoes in North America and at least 43 species of mosquitoes are known to occur in North Dakota.

* Each year thousands of dogs become disabled or die from lung, heart or circulatory problems caused by the heartworm disease. Mosquitoes can transmit this disease. This disease is preventable with the proper prescription available from veterinary clinics. Check with your veterinarian about heartworm testing and preventive medicine for your dog.

* Mosquitoes cannot transmit AIDS.

Mosquito Myths:
1. You can repel mosquitoes with electric devices that emit high-frequency sounds.
FALSE - Scientific studies have repeatedly shown that electronic mosquito repellants do not prevent mosquitoes from biting. In most cases, the claims made by distributors are borderline fraud.

2. Electrocuting devices help reduce mosquitoes around the house.
FALSE - Bug zappers kill a lot of insects, but very few of these insects are considered pests. In fact, many of the insects killed are beneficial insects that would otherwise serve as food for wildlife.

3. Citrosa plants will repel mosquitoes.
FALSE - The Citrosa plant alone will not repel mosquitoes. The Citrosa plant is a household plant that produces citronella oil, which is known to have mosquito-repelling properties. Although the concept of the plant emitting such a barrier appears sound, the claims have not stood up to scientific testing. Tests conducted in Florida indicate that Citrosa plants did not reduce the number of bites received by test subjects. In fact, mosquitoes were found to land on the plant, indicating that the plants did not emit enough citronella oil to repel the mosquito.

4. Bats and purple martins will eat thousands of mosquitoes each night and therefore help control mosquito populations.
FALSE - Research has shown that insectivorous bats and purple martins are selective feeders and mosquitoes make up a very small percent of their diet. They will typically feed on the larger insects. A bat's diet typically consists of the same type of insects that turn up in bug zappers. Bats are not an adequate means in controlling the population of mosquitoes.

If you have any questions regarding mosquitoes please contact the Public Health Office at 701-747-5511.