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The Mosquito

  • Diet: Blood
  • Family: Culicidae
  • Number of species: 3,500
  • Average life span in the wild: 2 weeks to 6 months
  • Size: 1/8 to 3/4 in (0.3 to 2 cm)
  • Group name: Swarm
  • Natural predators: Bats, Birds, Fish, Frogs and Tadpoles, Turtles, Dragonflies, Damselflies, Aquatic Beetles, Spiders

It has become evident to the staff and to people around the world who use our health training programs that many of WiRED’s modules relate to diseases spread by mosquitoes. The most recent and conspicuous example is Zika, but, well before that, we had addressed dengue; yellow fever; the tongue-twister, chikungunya; and we can't forget the most widespread and deadly mosquito-borne disease: malaria.

 

In response, WiRED’s staff has created a Webpage that brings together a variety of facts, statistics and practical approaches to dealing with mosquitoes in order to minimize the likelihood of being bitten and to employ remedies after a bite. We’ll also link to our detailed educational programs that teach about illnesses that could be contracted from a mosquito bite. People are sometimes amused by the mischief of these pesky creatures, but we should never be fooled into thinking they are only an annoyance. For millions of people, the mosquito is an instrument of death.

 

 

 

 

Thanks to the following researchers, writers and editors for their contribution to this Webpage:
Bernice Born, Betty Fine, Allison Kozicharow, Matt Lang, Ann Mangold.

 

 

Mosquito Facts

Q: How long have mosquitos existed?
Q: How much does a mosquito weigh?
Q: How much blood does a mosquito drink?
Q: How do mosquitos find their prey?
Q: How fast do mosquitos fly?
Q: Which people are most attractive to mosquitos?
Q: Who else is attractive to mosquitos?
Q: What smells do mosquitos like?
Q: Is there any clothing that is better for hiding from mosquitos?
Q: What else is attractive to mosquitos?
Q: Do mosquitos prefer a full moon?

Source: American Mosquito Control Association

 

 

Zika Virus — Did You Know?

Q: How is Zika spread?
Q: Is there a vaccine for Zika?
Q: What is the connection between Zika and Pregnancy?
Q: How else can Zika be spread?
Q: Is it safe to travel to areas where Zika is active?
Q: Can travelers spread Zika?
Q: Do mosquitos spread other diseases besides Zika?