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Key Takeaways

• Multiple kinds of mosquitoes bite, although some are more common than others.
• Some mosquitoes do have a positive effect on the environment.
• Only female mosquitoes bite, and not all species bite humans.
• Citronella candles offer little proven protection.
• Mosquitoes do not die after biting you.
• Many mosquitoes bite during the day, not just at night.
• Attraction is based on carbon dioxide, scent, and heat. Not “sweet blood.”

Myth #1: There’s Only One Kind of Mosquito that Bites People

There are nearly 4,000 species of mosquitoes out there. Some of them bite people. Others don’t. They bite frogs or salamanders, and they don’t transmit disease. In fact, humans will rarely see or encounter many of the vast mosquito species on Earth.

Myth #2: Mosquitoes Don’t Do Any Good for the World

Mosquitoes that bite people? Those could go away today, and the world would be a better place. But the vast majority of species don’t bite people (and couldn’t). Mosquitoes move nutrients from short-lived water environments like flood pools and are being eaten by animals that live on ground or trees. They also pollinate plants. They also provide food for fish or other aquatic animals.

Myth #3: All Mosquitoes Bite

Only female mosquitoes – which need blood to produce eggs – bite. Males feed on nectar and plant sugars. That means seeing a mosquito doesn’t automatically mean you’re about to be bitten.

Myth #4: Citronella Candles Keep Mosquitoes Away

Citronella candles are popular, but research hasn’t shown them to provide meaningful protection against mosquitoes.

Some spatial repellents work, but they often rely on different active ingredients. Smelling pleasant outside doesn’t equal protection. If you’re relying on candles alone, you’re probably not as protected as you think.

Myth #5: Mosquitoes Die After Biting You

This one’s actually backwards. Biting is part of survival for mosquitoes. A female mosquito must survive her first blood meal, lay eggs, and seek a second one. Mosquito-borne illnesses depend on that second feeding. If mosquitoes died after one bite, diseases like West Nile virus and dog heartworm wouldn’t spread the way they do.

Myth #6: Mosquitoes are Nocturnal

The Aedes (tiger) mosquito, one of the most common pest species in the southeastern United States, is active during the day. Research actually shows peak biting can happen in the early afternoon. Assuming mosquitoes are only a nighttime problem might lead you to skip protection during peak exposure hours.

Myth #7: Mosquitoes Are Attracted to “Sweet Blood”

Mosquitoes don’t test your blood before biting. Instead, they find you by detecting carbon dioxide, body odors created by skin bacteria, and body heat. Some research suggests Type O blood might be slightly more attractive, but it’s not a definite factor. “Sweet blood” oversimplifies a much more complex process.

The Real Way to Protect Yourself

With the myths cleared up, it’s time to focus on what works instead of making common mosquito control mistakes: 

• Reduce standing water around your home. 
• Apply EPA-registered repellents like Picaridin to exposed skin when needed. 
• Wear protective clothing when mosquitoes are active.

Insect Shield permethrin-treated clothing is designed to help repel mosquitoes through contact with the fabric. It adds a convenient layer of protection during a range of outdoor activities, from gardening and grilling to hiking and camping.

FAQs

Do citronella candles repel mosquitoes?

Research has not shown citronella candles to provide reliable mosquito protection. More effective options include EPA-registered repellents and protective clothing.

Are mosquitoes only active at night?

No. Some common species, including the tiger mosquito, are active during the day, with peak biting often in the afternoon.

Do all mosquitoes carry diseases?

No. Many mosquito species never bite humans. Even among those that do, only some carry pathogens.

Is “sweet blood” a real thing?

Not exactly. Attraction is driven mainly by carbon dioxide, scent, and heat. Blood type may play a small role, but it’s not the main factor.

What actually keeps mosquitoes away?

A layered approach works best: remove standing water, apply effective repellents to exposed skin, and wear clothing designed to help repel mosquitoes and other biting insects.

Original Source: insectshield.com