Are Mosquitoes Good For You?

Whether mosquitoes are good for you or not has been a subject of debate for a long time. They are known for their ability to carry diseases, including Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus. Their presence can cause disabling effects if they become too abundant.

Scientists are studying the mosquito’s role in ecosystems. Some biologists believe that if mosquitoes were eliminated from the environment, there would be a decrease in the number of humans suffering from serious diseases. Others think they are a necessary component of many ecosystems.

There are more than 3,500 different species of mosquito on Earth. Although a handful of them can bite human beings, most do not.

Among the few that do bite, the most common are females. These insects will sting to draw protein from a human’s blood. They are also good at pollinating flowering plants. They can be found in huge swarms.

However, while there are many benefits to having a mosquito population in your neighborhood, they can be an annoyance. They can spread disease to other animals and humans, and can leave your skin raw.

In order to avoid mosquito bites, try wearing long sleeves and pants. Also, be sure to spray your yard with a repellent that contains picaridin or DEET.

The best repellents contain ingredients such as lemon eucalyptus oil. These products are registered with the EPA and are effective.

The best way to prevent mosquitoes from biting you is to prevent them from breeding in your yard. You can do this by clearing out standing water, removing any items that collect water, and replacing your outdoor pet water with fresh water.