Mosquitoes Are an Ancient Pest: Facts About Prevention and Treatment

Mozzies. Skeeters. Whichever name you use the mosquito is an ancient pest, a summer nuisance to those unlucky enough to be outdoors after dark.

Scientists estimate that mosquitoes evolved 170 million years ago, and from fossil records were three times the size of their current descendants. Primarily nectar feeders, the females of most mosquito species require a blood meal for egg development and laying. Any mammal is fair game. Humans, livestock, and pets are all easy prey for this winged vampire.

Mosquitoes transmit disease and illness to an estimated 69 million people globally each year. To most North Americans the mosquito is a simple pest. In many parts of the world this insect is deadly, spreading malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile Virus. Each year, Malaria kills an estimated 5.3 million children under the age of five. While they cannot pass HIV, mosquitoes can transmit a host of other viruses, including Ross River Fever, Yellow Fever, Rift Valley Fever, and epidemic polyarthritis.

The mosquito emits a high-pitched buzz, enough to drive a grown man to tears after a long night of repeated attacks. Their bites cause little or no pain because of their serrated proboscis and their chemically-charged saliva. Some people grow immune to the hives related to mosquito bites as they age. Others are extremely sensitive, with a bite causing massive swelling and bruising.

Protecting yourself and your loved ones over summer months is easy if a few preventative steps are taken: