Mosquitos!

Have you ever been outside on a warm night when suddenly you hear the high pitched whine of a mosquito zooming past your ear like a tiny helicopter? You swat at it, but it disappears like a sneaky ninja. It's already too late, you’ve been bitten. Mosquitoes are small flying insects, but don’t let their size fool you, they are some of the most annoying creatures on Earth. They live all around the Earth in forests and in cities. They are out there just watching and waiting for snack time, which unfortunately is you.

True fact, only female mosquitoes bite and the males are harmless. The females need protein from blood to help them lay healthy eggs. So when a mosquito bites you, she’s basically saying, “Thanks for the baby food!” To find you, mosquitos sense your body heat, your breath and even your sweat. Scientists have also discovered that the mosquitoes are attracted by certain colors like red, yellow and black.

It’s gross but when a mosquito bites you, it injects a tiny bit of saliva into your skin. Your body reacts to that saliva, and that’s what causes the itchy bump. So really, your itch is your body saying, “Something weird just happened here!” Some people have an intense immune system and are allergic to a mosquito’s saliva. Some people have more severe itching, swelling and those red welts last longer. Mosquitoes don’t just annoy us and leave itchy bumps behind, they can also kill humans and animals by spreading diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, West Nile virus, and yellow fever.

Don’t worry, there are a few ways to avoid becoming mosquito lunch. When outdoors, you should always wear bug spray, keep your windows and doors closed and cover your body as much as possible. Mosquitoes may be tiny, but they sure know how to make a big impact. Next time you hear that familiar buzz, remember that you’re dealing with a highly skilled, flying insect on a mission. Stay alert, protect yourself, and maybe practice your ninja swatting skills.

Did You Know?

Mosquitos can smell you from over 100 feet away.

The annoying buzzing sound is made by their wings that beat 300-600 times per second.

They poop when sucking blood. It makes them lighter so they can fly away faster.

Military engineers and scientists have developed drones that look like mosquitoes and the drones are the same size as the tiny insect.