Mosquitoes are a family of insects of the Diptera order; they have one pair of wings, the other is modified into fangs. On the upper part of the rounded head, there are mouthparts: a proboscis and tentacles. They also have 15-segmented short (in females) and long (in males) whiskers covered with hair. Eggs, larvae and pupae develop in stagnant or fresh water. The pupa feeds on aquatic vegetation and animals. It systematically rises to the surface of the water and, like the pupa, breathes atmospheric oxygen.
About 2000 species are known, many of which are bloodsuckers, ectoparasites of humans and animals. Some transmit pathogens of various diseases from a sick organism to a healthy person.
The mosquito family is divided into several subfamilies: Culicinae, Dixinae and Chaoborinae. The subfamilies of true mosquitoes (Anophelini) and the genera Anopheles (malaria mosquitoes), Uranotaenia, Theobaldia, Orthopodomya, Mansonia, Aedes and Culex are found.
Malaria mosquitoes transmit the malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites. The female malaria mosquito has a stinging-sucking type of mouthparts, while the male only sucks. Therefore, only the female can suck blood. The female attacks humans and transfers the Plasmodium from the sick to the healthy during the bite.
What is the benefit of a mosquito?
None.
What harm does a mosquito cause?
Mosquitoes are carriers of many diseases, and their bites are not pleasant either. Therefore, the Internet is full of publications on this topic. We have tried to make a small digest of this material.
Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes:
Malaria
Yellow fever
Dengue
Phlebotomic fever, etc.
Some scientists claim that mosquitoes do not transmit hepatitis and AIDS. Some unbelievers believe that it matters who bit you and where.
Where do we Georgians have children who get bitten by mosquitoes?
Mosquito bites cause serious allergies and suppurations in many children. Try to prevent your child from being bitten by mosquitoes.
Methods of combating mosquitoes
- The most reliable method is to install protective nets on the windows. The net is sold separately and is not very expensive. If you are struggling economically, it is better to open 1 window and protect it with a net.
- The second group of methods is to scare away mosquitoes. Mosquitoes cannot stand the smell of some plants. These plants can be placed in the room, near windows, etc. The so-called fumigators heat such plants, fumigators use chemicals to make the smell more intense. People with allergies cannot use fumigators at all. It is better to use plants directly. There are many natural remedies, but in our conditions, the most affordable is bay leaf. Put a bay leaf on an electronic fumigator instead of a plate.
Mosquitoes are repelled by the smell of vinegar, as well as the smell of cloves. You can clean door and window frames with vinegar. Vinegar can be sprayed on a child’s clothes, stroller, if he is not allergic.
There are mosquito repellent aerosols. They cost about $5; the cost is high, the result is less.
There are mosquito coils, they kill mosquitoes with high voltage. Their main drawback is that they often break.
There are adhesive tapes. They emit an attractive smell and attract insects. Its drawback is that the insect dies slowly, in seconds.
A good method is to use a so-called fly swatter. If you see a mosquito sitting, you should hit it on the head. It costs GEL and is sold everywhere. Try not to spray insects on newly renovated walls.
What plants should we grow on a windowsill, balcony, or patio to repel mosquitoes?
On the balcony and on the windowsill, it is good: lemon balm, mint, basil or rosemary.
In the garden – garlic, tomatoes. Lavender is best for the garden – it will also be useful for fighting moths.
These plants require care and attention all year round. Mosquitoes are also repelled by walnut shells.
Please note
Only female mosquitoes bite. Don’t kill male mosquitoes in vain. It’s easy to tell the difference between a female and a male mosquito. The difference is clearly visible in the picture. As you can see, the female mosquito is on the left.