What’s the most fearsome animal in the world?
Some might think it’s the king of the jungle or the star of Jaws, but they have nothing on the terrifying mosquito. Ranked the second most dangerous animal globally, mosquitoes are responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands of people each year.
However, as much as some people want them gone, they still play a crucial role in many ecosystems. Not only are they an essential food source for many other animals, but they’re also pollinators and help protect the rainforest.
That said, let’s learn about the types of mosquitoes, plus some tips on getting rid of them in your home.
Aedes Mosquitoes
No discussion of dangerous mosquitoes is ever complete without Aedes. As active day biters, Aedes mosquitoes transmit dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and Chikungunya.
These pests prefer urban areas in tropical and subtropical regions, targeting humans and commonly found indoors.
Culex Mosquitoes
If Aedes mosquitoes prefer to bite their victims during the daytime, Culex mosquitoes are nighttime biters.
Another way these bad mosquitoes differ from Aedes is their preferred hosts. They target birds, but they will also bite humans. Some diseases they transmit include the West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis.
Culex mosquitoes can be found in all parts of the U.S., especially in properties that are near marshes, ponds, or lakes.
Anopheles Mosquitoes
When people think of diseases associated with mosquitoes, malaria is usually one of the top answers.
As the primary vector of malaria, Anopheles mosquitoes also transmit heartworm in dogs. They’re indoor and outdoor dwellers, primarily found in the Eastern and Western U.S.
Unfortunately, years and years of pesticide use have made them resistant to insecticides. For mosquito protection against these species, consider a fogging machine (click for more to know more about this anti-mosquito solution).
Other Types of Mosquitoes
There are over 2,500 mosquito species in the world. Not all of them bite, but the ones that do are all females.
Female biters need the protein in the blood of their hosts to lay their eggs. They don’t have teeth; instead, they use their nose or proboscis to draw blood from the humans or animals they bite.
Other species worth looking into are the purple pitcher-plant mosquitoes, which lay their eggs in carnivorous plants, eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes, and Asian tiger mosquitoes.
Some Tips for Mosquito Control and Prevention
The best pest removal tip is to get rid of trash piles and related items around your house. Mosquitoes also love open water areas, so be sure to check for puddles, damaged water pipes, etc.
It also helps to keep roof gutters clean and cover water tanks. If you have a severe infestation, it’s best to call experts who can set traps and use repellents and pesticides.
Don’t Let the Mosquitoes Bite!
As annoying as mosquitoes are, they still have a role in keeping ecosystems balanced. That means you’ll need to rely on tried and tested means to get rid of them.
If you still have questions about the different types of mosquitoes, don’t stop here. There are tons of resources online that can help.
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