Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can ruin an outdoor picnic or barbecue. But they are also a more serious health threat—a 1998 article in the Annals of Internal Medicine estimated that seven hundred million people worldwide are bitten annually, and one out of seventeen people will die from a disease carried by mosquitoes.¹

Fast Facts

1. Average life span: Female 3-100 days, male 10-20 days
2. Adult mosquitoes feed on flower nectar and fruits juice
3. Mosquitoes need blood meals for egg development
4. Female mosquitoes can lay 100-300 eggs at one time
5. 140 different kinds of mosquitoes

How a Mosquito Bites

The female mosquito lands on the body of the intended victim. She then inserts her long thin needle-like mouth, the proboscis, into th blood from clotting. She then draws the blood into her abdomen.^{2 3 4}

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

• Encephalitis
• West Nile Fever
• Dengue Fever
• Malaria
• Yellow Fever

Preventing Mosquitoes Tips

• Remove standing water⁵
• Make sure screen doors and windows have no holes⁵
• Cover any vent entrances on the roof with screen⁵
• Keep vegetation trimmed⁵
• Wear light clothing⁵
• Fans help keep them away⁵

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