Why Can’t I See Mosquitoes?
WouterUsing their vision and sense of smell, mosquitoes find humans. Their bites cause itching and irritation. They also can transmit disease such as West Nile virus, yellow fever, and dengue.
In addition to detecting our presence, mosquitoes also detect the presence of carbon dioxide, a gas we exhale. They use this information to find a place to suck blood and lay eggs.
There are two basic types of mosquitoes. There are males that feed on flower nectar and females that eat blood and lay eggs. Females can survive for up to three weeks. They need protein in their blood to lay eggs.
These biting flies are also known as biting midges, no see ums, and sandflies. Their bites can expand into large welts that are itchy and painful. They prefer warm weather and damp soil. The bite can stay on the skin for up to two weeks.
Some of the most common breeding sites include puddles, over-irrigated turf, and poorly drained parks. They may be more active in the early morning and dusk. In the summer, they may be spotted at barbecues. In addition, they will sometimes bite you indoors.
The female mosquito uses her eyes to find the closest target. She then zooms in for a kill. If her prey is closer, she will suck blood and lay eggs.
Despite their impressive abilities, mosquitoes are not the best fliers. They rely on a variety of attractants to find their victims.
