Mosquito Fun Facts
Just to give a little more interest, here are some fun facts about mosquitoes to make you run for the bug spray and heartworm preventives.
- Mosquitoes are known as far back as the Triassic period- 400million years ago, in North America since the Cretaceous period- 100 million years ago
- There are about 2,700 known species of mosquito worldwide with 176 species in the United States
- Mosquitoes fly an estimated 1.5miles per hour and common mosquitoes can fly 1-3 miles in distance
- Mosquitoes are attracted to large objects and heat (panting dogs, active people)
- Smelly feet can attract certain species of mosquitoes
- A full moon can increase mosquito activity by up to 500%
- One study suggested mosquitoes prefer woman (perfume) and O+ blood types
- Males mosquitoes do not take a blood meal, only females
- A female mosquito can lay 300 eggs after a blood meal and can take multiple bites each time (furthering disease transmission)
- Female mosquitoes live 2-3 weeks but can winter over on garages, culverts, and attics then living up to six months
- Mosquitoes can fly up to 10 stories high, in Singapore they have been found in apartments 21 stories above ground
- Carbon Dioxide is the largest mosquito attractant followed by body odor and then heat
- Mosquitoes can get into your home through doorways, broken window or door screens, attic soffits, drier vents, or through bathroom exhaust fans
Mosquitoes are resilient insects that have survived millions of years. They are resourceful and determined. Please keep your pet, and yourself, safe from the diseases they can spread (heartworm disease, malaria, or West Nile Disease).