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| Facts About Mosquitoes That Will Surprise You. |
The mosquito is the most irritating aspect of summer we probably know Whether taking a hike on the trails, swimming in the lakes, or just sitting around the campfire the mosquito is sure to be there during summer.
Though they look the same when disturbing you, they are a very varied insect. Research shows that that there are 39 species of the insect in the Northwest territories. Taz Stuart an entomologist was called by CBC News to learn about the mosquito. Mosquitoes are just like us he said and that they are surprisingly relate able.
Mosquitoes Are Picky Eaters.
He said mosquitoes are picky eaters and that if they are buzzing around your ears and biting they are females because the males do not bite and the females bite because they need the blood to reproduce. Nectar is actually their main food source and they would not just take any blood Stuart said "They'll come and do a test landing," and if it is something they like they would try for meal You can have two people sitting and the mosquito would like one and not the other who has been running around and throwing off all the CO2 and is full of vim and vigor. When they get the blood needed to lay their eggs the mosquito would take some days off before a repeat of the process which is repeated for their two-to-four-week lifespan.
Mosquitoes Don't Like Bad Weather
You don't like when the weather is wet? down on the smoky day?
Stuart said "They're just like you," "When it's hot, they rest in cool, dark places, when it's windy, they seek shelter in places like eaves, under decks and other hiding spots and If it's smoky, they find places to hide until it clears."
Mosquitoes Are Deadly
It's a known fact that mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases. But The risk for diseases changes depending on where you are in the world but West Nile is going up wards the west Nile virus has been found for the first time this season in the Winnipeg area. Stuart said "You have the species that transmit the virus [in the N.W.T.],". "But no positive mosquito pools have been found over the past 16 years." But the virus is not the only way they can kill. "I've seen mosquitoes cover animals from head to toe feeding on the victim all day and all night," said Stuart. "And these animals get emaciated, meaning they die from the stress of getting fed on so much. This happens in bad years."
Not Everybody Gets Itchy Bites When Bitten By A Mosquito.
Other people get pimple-like bites on the webbing between their toes. While Others get big welts behind their knees. There are those who do not get any effect at all from mosquito bites and Stuart says about 10 per cent of the people in North American are this lucky.
He said "Their bodies don't have the immune response — the [histamine] response,".
There's more ways than one to prevent Mosquitoes
We know home remedies such as vanilla, oil from the tea tree and catnip, but Stuart recommends repellents with 30 per cent DEET, and should last for about three hours. Picaridin can be used by people allergic to DEET. Also avoid dark clothes. wear light colored clothes, long sleeves and long pants," he added. You can also stay inside all summer. "You should not be outside when mosquitoes are most active which is between the dusk to dawn time period," said Stuart.
Mosquitoes Don't Like To Live With Them But Can't Live Without Them.
The mosquito plays a pivotal role in keeping the balance of the diverse ecosystem The Northwest Territories is known for. Stuart Said they do have a purpose in the ecological cycle. They serve a food for other animals like frogs, ducks, diving beetles. So they are a part of the ecosystem although it's not the humans favorite part.
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