The mosquito is one of the most unpopular creatures in the world. Therefore, it poisons our summer nights with its characteristic rustle, but above all, it often stings us for food. Indeed, if you have what is commonly called a "mosquito skin", know that you can escape this harmful little beast in only two places on the globe: Antarctica and Iceland. In this article, we will discover together all the details about this hematophagous insect.
Their origin?
Since their appearance 245 million years ago, mosquitoes have colonized all environments from the equator to the polar circles. But their origin, or even the origin of insects in general, remains unknown. Nowadays, there are more than 3600 species of mosquitoes around the world and in reality, only 200 of them (exclusively females) feed on blood, an element necessary for the maturation of eggs. The most numerous species abound in tropical and equatorial regions.
How to recognize them?
Mosquitoes, also known as mosquitoes, are flying insects of the order Diptera, belonging to the family Culicidae which includes Culicinae and Anophelinae. Mosquitoes are characterized by long, thin antennae, scales on the wings, and a biting-sucking mouth apparatus. Their body, small in size (3-10 mm), is made up of three parts: the head which carries the antennae, the eyes, and the mouth apparatus; the thorax on which are fixed the wings and the three pairs of legs; and the abdomen, inside which are the stomach, intestines, and reproductive organs as well as much of the heart and nervous system.
Adults have crepuscular or nocturnal activity. Both males and females feed on plant juices, but only females gorge themselves on blood. The females locate their prey, man or animal, from a distance, thanks in particular to the increase in the carbon dioxide content linked to respiration. Attracted by the wing vibration of females, mosquitoes of both sexes mate first in flight, then on the ground. After mating - which usually happens only once - the female stores the male's sperm in her spermatheca. 50 to 200 eggs. The lifespan of these insects is short: about two weeks.
Are mosquito bites dangerous?
It causes an inflammatory response characterized by a round redness. The sting may also appear as a pimple that is slightly lighter than the skin, round, and the surrounding area is red. It's hard, hot, and painful. The bite causes more or less severe itching that can last several days. Areas of bare skin are the most accessible to mosquito bites. The first thing that comes to mind is legs and arms. But these insects can also attack through clothing. Therefore, all parts of the body are vulnerable to bites.
Many species of mosquitoes are a scourge because they carry serious and even fatal parasitic and infectious diseases such as chikungunya, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile fever, yellow fever, and malaria.
How to repel mosquitoes?
The prophylaxis of these diseases involves in particular the elimination of vector mosquitoes, the drainage of unsanitary bodies of water, and the use of insecticides. But for safer preventive measures you need certain knowledge, hence the need to call on specialists in the field. In this sense, Metroplex Pest Services can help you control mosquitoes in order to prevent them from entering your home.