Mosquitoes have been around for millions of years. They are commonly found in Florida because they thrive in warm, humid climates. While these prehistoric flying insects can be a nuisance, they don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. If mosquitoes are overtaking your property, you need the help of a professional Vero Beach pest control specialist like HomeShield Pest Control. However, you might also be surprised to learn that mosquitoes can be beneficial. Here is a look at everything that you need to know about the mosquitoes in Vero Beach.
Why Do We Need Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes get a bad rap because some species have been known to spread diseases. But you may be surprised to know that mosquitoes actually play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Here is a look at how the world benefits from having mosquitoes.
- Pollination: Many people don't realize that mosquitoes are pollinators. In fact, male mosquitoes mainly feed on flower nectar. The female mosquito feeds off of blood, but only when she is laying eggs. Just like bees, all mosquitoes transfer pollen from plant to plant, which allows plants to produce seeds and fruit.
- Food source: Mosquitoes are also an important part of the food chain. Many small animals, such as bats and dragonflies, eat mosquitoes and other small insects to survive. Mosquitoes also lay their eggs in large bodies of water. This allows the local fish to use the mosquito larvae as a meal.
Even though mosquitoes are known as one of the most dangerous insects in the world, If they did not exist, the world would be a much different place.
Is Every Mosquito Bite Dangerous?
There are around 3,500 species of mosquitoes in the world. However, only about 100 mosquito species are capable of spreading diseases to people and animals. Florida is home to around 80 different mosquito species. Of those, only about 20 species can spread dangerous viruses including Zika, West Nile, and Western equine encephalitis.
The majority of mosquitoes that are found in Florida are harmless. However, because it is difficult to differentiate the various species based on looks alone, it is a good idea to try to avoid all mosquitoes when you can.
What Attracts Mosquitoes To People?
Female mosquitoes bite people because they need the additional protein to lay eggs. They are not too picky when it comes to finding a blood source. However, there are a few factors that make mosquitoes more likely to choose certain people when looking for their next meal.
Some of the things that can make you more enticing to a mosquito include:
- Excessive sweating: When you sweat, you excrete ammonia and lactic acid. Mosquitoes are attracted to the scent of these two chemicals. Therefore, the more you sweat while being outdoors, the more likely you are to have mosquitoes landing on your skin.
- Body temperature: Even if you are not sweating a lot, you can still attract mosquitoes to you when on warm days. Mosquitoes are attracted to heat, so if your body temperature is running a little warm, you will become a target for these flying insects.
- Pregnancy: Studies have shown that mosquitoes are more likely to go after pregnant women. There is no definitive answer for why mosquitoes are drawn to these particular people. However, some scientists believe the increased body temperature has something to do with it. Also, pregnant women tend to exhale more carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes are drawn to.
- Bacteria: Everyone has bacteria on their skin. For the most part, this bacteria is harmless. However, it has a sweet smell that mosquitoes can easily detect and are immediately attracted to.
Mosquitoes can bite both people and animals; however, humans have a few features that make them more enticing to mosquitoes.
The Best Mosquito Control Solution For Vero Beach Properties
Having a mosquito infestation on your Vero Beach property can put you and your family at risk. If you see mosquitoes hovering around, do not hesitate to call us today. We have years of experience dealing with mosquitoes in central Florida. We have the perfect solution to eliminate them from your property in a timely manner.