Mosquitoes with their tiny size might look harmless. But we all know they are the main culprits in the spread of vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Learning about the life of a mosquito will help a lot in preventing them too.
Mosquitoes are cold-blooded species that feed on human blood and get attracted to carbon dioxide. They tend to survive and breed fast in warmer temperatures. These are just a handful of facts one should know about mosquitoes for effective mosquito prevention.
In this post, we are going to share information on some more interesting facts about mosquitoes like how long do mosquitoes live and when do they go away. We will also throw light on how to prevent mosquito bites in all seasons.
Which is the Active Mosquito Season in India?
Let us first begin by talking about the season when mosquitoes are most active in the Indian subcontinent. India, as you know, has a tropical climate that enjoys months full of humidity during the monsoons. Mosquitoes are pests that breed actively in this very monsoon season. You will find mosquitoes most active during the rainy season, and right after the spring season in the summer season.
Are Mosquitoes Active in Winters?
You just read that mosquitoes are most active during the monsoons and summers. So, does this mean that you will be spared from mosquitoes in winter? Not exactly! Mosquitoes tend to be inactive during the cold weather, but will not completely vanish from sight. They prefer hibernating during harsh winters, and then again reappear as soon as the temperature rises.
When do Mosquitoes Disappear?
Continuing with our last discussion, mosquitoes usually start disappearing as soon as the temperature starts dropping. In India, mosquitoes are seen disappearing between mid of December and mid of February. This is the peak winter season, especially in northern India and one sees lower levels of mosquitoes during this time of the year in this part of the country.
What Attracts Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are mostly attracted to darker shades and bushy surroundings. They as we mentioned earlier get attracted to the CO2 we exhale. Other things that attract all types
mosquitoes are sweat, humidity, water, and certain smells like that of perfumes, and air fresheners. Not to forget human and animal blood acts as mosquito magnets in most cases. Standing water and lush-green bushes and landscapes also attract mosquitoes.
What is the Mosquito Life Span in India?
We are pretty sure that after learning about the active mosquito season in India, you must be curious to know how many days a mosquito lives. Experts believe that the lifespan of a mosquito varies in terms of its gender. A male mosquito is expected to live for a maximum of 7 to 8 days on average. Whereas, a female mosquito can live up to 5 months maximum if provided with a good food supply. The average lifespan of a female mosquito is about 40 to 42 days.
So, after discussing so much about mosquitoes and their lifetime, it is time we head on to learn how to prevent mosquito bites. The following are some sure-shot ways to stay safe from mosquitoes.
5 Best Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites
- Discard or Treat Stagnant Water
- Keep Yourself Covered
- Use Essential Oils as Natural Mosquito Repellents
- Use Mosquito Nets and Window Screens
- Try Mosquito Repellents with DEET
1. Discard or Treat Stagnant Water
The best way to prevent mosquitoes and their bites is by not allowing water to stand by inside or outside the home. In case, you are not able to discard that stagnant water left behind after a rain shower, treat it with some insecticides or pesticides to kill the mosquito larvae breeding in it.
2. Keep Yourself Covered
The second useful tip for mosquito protection both indoors and outdoors is by minimizing your body exposure. The idea here is to wear full-length clothes to offer a minimum exposed body to mosquitoes to bite.
3. Use Essential Oils as Natural Mosquito Repellents
Do not underestimate the power of essential oils. They are magical and easy to apply on the skin. Oils like tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oil hydrate the skin, and keep the mosquitoes away with their natural aroma.
4. Use Mosquito Nets and Window Screens
The other safe and cheap option to prevent mosquito bites is by using mosquito nets when you sleep. You may also choose to install window screens attached with Velcro to ban the entry of mosquitoes into your house.
5. Try Mosquito Repellents with DEET
If you do not wish to rely on natural mosquito repellents, do not worry. You have the other best alternative in the form of DEET-formulated mosquito repellents. DEET or N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide is an effective insect-repellent ingredient that helps repel mosquitoes. Use mosquito sprays, ointments, and other repellents that have a safe amount of DEET to help you stay safe from mosquito bites.
Takeaway
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FAQs
1. What are the best ways to keep mosquitoes away?
There are several effective ways to keep mosquitoes away. One of the most effective ways is to use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Wearing long sleeved shirts and pants and avoiding scented products can also help deter mosquitoes. Additionally using mosquito netting around your bed, installing screens on your windows and doors and eliminating standing water around your home can reduce mosquito populations.
2. Does AC stop mosquitoes?
Air conditioning does not necessarily stop mosquitoes but it can make it more difficult for them to thrive. Mosquitoes prefer warm and humid environments so using air conditioning to cool your home can make it less attractive to mosquitoes.
3. What temperature kills mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are cold blooded creatures and their activity slows down as temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However they do not die until the temperature drops below freezing. In warm temperatures mosquitoes can survive and thrive so it is important to take steps to prevent their breeding and activity.
4. Why are mosquitoes attracted to me?
Mosquitoes are attracted to a variety of factors including body heat, carbon dioxide and sweat. They also seem to be attracted to people with certain blood types and certain scents. Additionally mosquitoes may be more attracted to individuals who consume alcohol or eat spicy foods.
5. Why are mosquitoes worse at night?
Mosquitoes are more active at night because they are nocturnal creatures. They are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide given off by human bodies and these signals are stronger in the dark when there is less interference from other sources. Additionally many species of mosquitoes prefer to rest during the daytime and become active at night to feed.