Mosquitoes

At best, mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, leaving itching bite marks and keeping us awake at night. The irritation caused by the bites can be quite distressing particularly for children. At worst, mosquitoes transmit range potentially fatal diseases. The most prominent diseases spread by mosquitoes are Malaria, Dengue and Japanese B encephalitis.

The risk of mosquito-borne diseases is especially high in humid areas. In the more arid regions of India, mosquito infestation commonly peaks during and after the annual monsoon rainfalls. In the more tropic and humid regions, the peak of mosquito activity normally falls into the summers when high temperatures fasten the reproductive cycle of mosquitoes.

• Mosquitoes have been in existence since the dinosaur era which is 400 million years ago.
• They are found close to still water, where their larvae feed and develop.
• They seem to be attracted to dark colors.
• Mosquitoes will normally bite you at dawn or dusk – mostly nocturnal. That’s when their internal clocks tell them it is feeding time.
• Mosquitoes are attracted to heat and they find lactic acid alluring thus would tend to bite people who had just exercised.
• Bigger people tend to attract more mosquitoes because they produce higher Carbon Dioxide and lactic acid.


Types of Mosquitoes

• Anopheles Mosquito - The development from egg to adult takes only between 6-10 days. The female will lay between 60-150 eggs after a blood meal. Anopheles mosquitoes commonly bite at night and rest indoors and outdoors during the day. Anopheles mosquitoes are transmitters of Malaria.
• Culex Mosquitoes - Culex mosquitoes are transmitters of Japanese B Encephalitis, a very dangerous type of brain fever. They bite at night and rest before and after blood meals. Culex breeds in polluted stagnant water, and is a major pest problem in urban areas and metropolises of India, where it breeds in drains.
• Aedes Mosquitoes - Unlike above mentioned species, Aedes mosquitoes are active during the day and they breed in clean water in man-made containers such as flower vases, water accumulation in tyres and cans. In India, Aedes mosquitoes are responsible for Chikungunya and Dengue. Their development from egg to mosquito is quite rapid (6-8 days).


Signs of Infestation

• Mosquitoes often make that all-too-familiar annoying high pitched buzzing sound.
• Bites are an obvious giveaway, ranging from mildly irritating to intensely inflamed with swelling. Only the female mosquito bites humans, the males feed off nectar and other sweet things.
• The adults are attracted to standing water including water trays from house plants and water bowls, where they lay their eggs. • You might spot them lingering in dim and shady areas.
• Mosquito larvae in stagnant water.

To get rid of mosquitoes in your home, the best solution is to prevent them from breeding around your home and to prevent them from entering your home.
• Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes: -
o When outside at dusk or dawn, wear long sleeves, trousers, footwear and hats to reduce exposed skin.
o Use mosquito repellent sprays on exposed skin.
o Use mosquito repelling products or candles when sitting.
• Prevent mosquitoes being able to develop in standing water:
o Ensure drains are kept clear and running.
o Ensure gutters and water gullies are not blocked.
o Cover water butts with a lid.
o Do not leave standing water (e.g. in watering cans).
o Introduce mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) or guppies into garden ponds to eat mosquito larvae.
• Finally, you can help prevent mosquitoes entering your home:
o After dark, keep windows and doors closed or block out the light with curtains.
o Fit mosquito screens to windows.

Worried about pests ? Call MASA at our Unified Number 920001330 for a free inspection. Our pest control expert will schedule an inspection to assess your problem and recommend an effective solution for the same.