Mosquito Squad of Greenville asks “Are you smarter than the average mosquito?”

Recent rainstorms and floods across many parts of the United States are setting the stage for record mosquito populations in 2013. While most people can agree that these unwelcomed populations are quite annoying as they buzz around you, suck your blood and leave those nasty, itchy bumps behind, many might be surprised to learn some not so well known facts about mosquitoes. Test your knowledge of mosquitoes with our mini mosquito quiz and find out if you are smarter than the average skeeter!

1. Is it possible for a mosquito to lay eggs inside something as small as a bottle cap?
2. True or False: Everyone infected with West Nile virus shows symptoms.
3. How many eggs can a female mosquito lay in her lifetime?
4. True or False: Mosquitoes beat their wings about 30 times per second.
5. True or False: Only male mosquitoes bite.
6. How many days does it take for a mosquito to develop into a blood sucking adult?
7. How many days can a mosquito typically survive in the wild?
8. True or False: West Nile Virus can only affect humans.
9. True or False: Mosquitoes pose a threat to public health.
10. True or False: Mosquitoes rarely travel farther than 1,000 feet from their birthplace.

Answers:

You might be surprised to learn that yes, mosquitoes can lay eggs inside something as small as a bottle cap. In fact, a bottle cap can actually hold as many as 300 mosquito eggs. Now imagine how many mosquito eggs are waiting for you in things like standing water in a children’s sandbox, loose tarps, large plant saucers or dog bowls! This fact shows why it is so important to be vigilant of standing water in your yard. Make sure you reduce standing water in order to eliminate mosquito threats!

1. False! Approximately only 20% of humans infected with West Nile virus show any symptoms at all. All the while, the risk of death still remains! Prevention is the biggest asset on your side. By using mosquito elimination services such as our barrier treatment programs you can significantly lower your chances of contracting a mosquito born disease.
2. A female mosquito can lay up to 3,000 eggs in her lifetime. The actual number can range anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 depending on the species of mosquito. This astounding number shows how quickly your yard can become unusable as mosquitoes take over!
3. False, mosquitoes can actually beat their wings about 600 times per second!  The fast pace at which mosquitoes beat their little wings is actually what creates the famous “buzz” sound you hear as they hover close by.
4. False, only female mosquitoes bite. While female mosquitoes feed on your blood, male mosquitoes actually only feed on nectar and fruit juice.
5. A mosquito generally takes around two days to be able to develop into a fully grown adult. At that point, female mosquitoes can then begin laying their eggs and therefore creating tons of hungry mosquito babies!
6. A mosquito can typically survive up to 100 days depending on their gender. A female mosquito lives anywhere from 3 to 100 days, while males live anywhere from 10 to 20 days. 100 days is just enough blood sucking to ruin your summer!
7. False, West Nile Virus can not only affect humans but also your precious pets! West Nile Virus can affect everything from cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, crocodiles and more!
8. True, mosquitoes pose a threat to public health by spreading everything from West Nile Virus to encephalitis, dengue, fever, malaria and even heart-worms in pets.

10. False. In reality, mosquitoes rarely travel farther than 300 feet from their birthplace.

To learn more about controlling and preventing mosquitoes on the home front contact Mosquito Squad of Greenville today at Call us today for a free quote (864) 362-2013