YOUR GUIDE TO EFFECTIVE MOSQUITO CONTROL

By many measures, mosquitoes are the most dangerous insect

in the world. Conservative estimates hold mosquitoes responsible for hundreds of millions of malaria cases each year. However, mosquitoes also transmit a host of other diseases, including West Nile virus, yellow fever, dengue fever and zika virus. For the best chance at thwarting these tiny killers, know where mosquitoes live, how to repel them, and how to kill them.

Mosquitoes choose their targets through a combination of smell, heat and visual cues. The most common mosquito species feed at dawn and dusk, and for a few hours into dark.

However, there are some species that are particularly aggressive and will feed both day and night. Mosquitoes locate blood first by using sensors on their antennae to detect trace amounts of carbon dioxide released in human breath. That CO2 rises in plumes that mosquitoes can sense from hundreds of feet away.

WHY MOSQUITOES ARE ATTRACTED TO HUMANS.

Certain people will smell better to the mosquito than others. Older people,baby and pregnant women tend to attract mosquitoes,possibly because they release more carbon dioxide (co2).Cholesterol and folic acid also act as attractants,as do perfumes,colognes and lotions.

Simple Preventative Measures to Avoid Mosquito Bites

Naturally, the best way to avoid mosquito bites is to prevent coming into contact with them in the first place. You can avoid insect bites by staying inside between dusk and dawn, which is when they are most active. Mosquitoes are also thicker near standing water areas. The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has a helpful factsheet of things you can do to prevent mosquito breeding on your property. Their "Three Ds" of protection are the following:

• Drain—Mosquitoes require water in which to breed, so carefully drain any and all sources of standing water around your house and yard, including pet bowls, gutters, garbage and recycling bins, spare tires, bird baths, etc.

• Dress—Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing—long sleeved shirts and long pants, hats, and socks

• Defend—Recommends using natural repellents (repellent plants for example feverfew, citronella, catnip and lavender) and water mist (Avoid getting too hot. This advice is especially important if you're in a hot, humid climate. Mosquitoes are thought to be attracted to warm bodies, so staying cool is one way to avoid bites).

Combining these 3D’s tips along with sensible strategies around your home should be able to provide the best overall protection.