Mosquito Fast Facts

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  • Mosquitoes bite infants and children more than any other insect.

  • Mosquitoes can transmit dangerous blood-borne illnesses including West Nile Virus, malaria, encephalitis and many other diseases.

  • Only female mosquitoes bite. They need a blood meal to acquire the protein they need to produce eggs.

  • The irritation from a mosquito bite comes from a reaction to the saliva, which includes digestive enzymes and anticoagulants.

  • Sensitivity to mosquito bites varies greatly. Some kids become less sensitive to the bite with age; others become increasingly allergic.

  • Taking a non-sedating antihistamine such as Claritin (loratadine) or Zyrtec can help lessen the effect of a bite if taken beforehand or lessen the severity of the reaction if taken after a bite.

  • The most effective bug repellant compounds contain DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consumer Reports created a top five list of the most effective insect repellants, which were shown to prevent bites from ticks and at least two types of mosquitoes for at least eight hours.
  • The maximum concentration of DEET recommended for infants and children is 30 percent. DEET products should not be used on children under 2 months of age.

  • Repellant should be applied over the clothes, and avoid using it on the parts of the hands that might come in contact with your eyes or mouth.

  • Mosquitoes care what you wear. Avoid bright, floral colors in clothing as well as fragrances in soaps, shampoos and lotions.

  • Mosquitoes tend to bite between dusk and dawn, and they tend to hang out near water. When it’s hot and humid, expect more pests.

  • Females lay their eggs in standing water, so be aware of potential breeding areas such as:
    • Bird baths
    • Outdoor pet dishes
    • Flower pot saucers
    • Ponds
    • Gutters
    • Wheelbarrows and buckets
    • Wading pools and swimming pools
    • Trashcans, recycling bins and trash lids
    • Puddles and ditches in your yard or driveway
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