Knowledge is your first layer of protection

It can be a chore at times to keep mosquitos at bay. Luckily, dispelling the myths that surround them is much easier. If you’re in parts of the country dealing with the aftermath of the recent hurricanes, then you’re likely to be aware of the measures being taken to curb the mosquito population. Post-hurricane is a boom time for our least favorite insects, so before the next one blows by let’s sort out the truths from the tales.

Is repellent the only option?

It can be frustrating to be bitten when some other people never seem to be troubled, but you can limit your chances of attracting unwanted attention in ways aside from sprays and creams. Avoiding excessive swatting motions is a good way to keep a low profile. A mosquito’s vision will get a sharper fix on your location the more you move.

Excessive physical activity will also increase your body heat which, you guessed it, only makes you more visible. If you really wanted to make yourself less attractive to mosquitos, you’d have to stop breathing! As this study shows, the CO2 we humans breathe out can also be used by the little pests to home in on us.

The study also demonstrates how their vision can be attracted to high-contrast shades. So, if you’re bright in a dark place or dark in a bright place, you could be in line for a bite. Of course, the less skin you have exposed, the better.

All mosquitoes drink human blood

Actually, only the females do. The amino acids, iron, and protein in the blood help them produce their eggs and nourish their young. They don’t take much (typically only around 3 milligrams) but it’s enough to be a real annoyance. Both males and females enjoy plant or fruit nectar and sap for their actual sustenance. Not all of them drink human blood, either. Most species feed on reptiles, birds and smaller mammals. The largest species (rightly named the Elephant Mosquito) doesn’t require the blood of any kind … which is definitely a good thing!

They die during winter

Both true and false. While some species can’t handle the cold, others are able to enter a state of hibernation while surviving on fat stores that can last several months. These species typically choose the warmest possible place during winter to help them survive before waking up again when the climate heats up. However, even species who die off in cold weather can lay their eggs in freezing water before they die, preserving the young until the warmer weather rolls around.

Mosquitos are the deadliest creature on the planet

Sadly, this is true, even if it is only by proxy. Mosquitos carry and transmit the malaria parasite which affects around 250 million people a year and kills over a million (and a child every 30 seconds).

Standing water only makes things worse

Absolutely true. The female mosquito will take the opportunity to lay eggs in any still, standing water you may have sitting around. Your rain barrel, bird bath or paddling pool are prime egg-laying locations, so either empty them out or cover them up when not in use. It can take only an inch of water to provide a successful lay site.

They love the heat

Not really. While areas like sub-Saharan Africa and sub-tropical zones are quite literally hotbeds of mosquito activity, they will typically seek shade during the hottest part of the day. You’re more at risk of being bitten in the morning or evening. So, if you want to enjoy that walk or porch drink the height of the afternoon is the most favorable time to do it (although you may want to avoid beer. Sorry.)

As further proof they aren’t totally devoted to warm spots, Alaska has an estimated population of 17 trillion mosquitos.

Bug zappers work well in killing mosquitos

This is another myth. Due to how a mosquito’s eyes work, they’re not attracted to light or sound. So, a bright, motionless buzzing bug zapper will do little good in reducing their numbers. You may hear a zap every few seconds and presume it’s working, but the vast majority of those deaths are of other insects (many of which are beneficial creatures). If a mosquito meets its end in your bug zapper, it will be coincidence rather than cure.

So now I know everything, right?

Not quite! Mosquitos may have their place in the circle of life, but your backyard or business doesn’t have to be one of them. A high-quality misting system can quietly and effectively take care of the problem across a wide variety of locations. Installing one of these simple, automated repellent systems will handle a host of other airborne pests (spiders too) while returning full control and enjoyment of your home or workplace to you.

At Platinum Mosquito Protection, we’re specialists who are passionate about the comfort of our customers. Our insect-repelling solutions have been successful for 25 years and are perfect for domestic, commercial or equine protection. For more information on our low-vis, custom-designed technology, you can call us at 917 887–6920. You can also fill out our contact form for a free on-site consultation.

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