Mosquito bites may simply cause itchy, red, round bumps on affected areas. However, in some cases, it may be serious and fatal because some species of mosquitoes are carriers of deadly viruses. This is the reason why mosquito control is becoming a primary public health practice throughout the world.
Aedes Aegypti Mosquito Species
Aedes Aegypti (also called yellow fever mosquito) is a black mosquito with white stripes, measuring about 4 to 7 millimeters. This type of mosquito originated in Africa and is now found worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. It is believed to be one of the most widespread mosquito species. A 2017 research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found an increase in the number of US states with Aedes Aegypti.
Aedes Aegypti is the culprit in life-threatening viruses such as dengue fever, Zika fever, and yellow fever. Mosquitoes are mostly active during daytime, especially during dusk and dawn, but they may also bite during nighttime. When they are indoors, they mostly stay in dark places such as cabinets. When they are outdoors, they stay in shaded areas. An adult Aedes Aegypti have a lifespan ranging from two weeks to 1 month.
Virus Transmission
It is believed that only female Aedes Aegypti bite humans because females need human blood to develop their eggs. They lay about 100 to 200 eggs per batch on water and can produce up to 5 batches of eggs during her lifetime. Meanwhile, male Aedes Aegypti only eat fruits and are smaller in size compared to females. The viruses that these mosquitoes transmit are believed to have started with humans.
Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes may bite infected humans and become a carriers of the virus. Once it becomes a carrier, the humans that it bites will become infected with the virus. The tricky thing about Aedes Aegypti is that they don’t produce a loud buzzing sound like other mosquito species, making humans unaware that they are around and can bite you.
Mosquito Bite Control
- Clothing – prevent mosquito bites by covering your skin. Wear pants and long sleeves.
- Mosquito Repellents – mosquito repellent comes in lotion or liquid spray form and is generally safe for adult use. It should be applied to exposed skin.
- Anti-mosquito Patches – patches may not provide full protection for adults and are more advisable for infant use because some mosquito repellents have ingredients that may harm infants and children.
- Mosquito Nets – make sure that it does not have holes. Mosquitoes may bite you if your skin touches the net. To enhance its effectiveness, you can use it along with insecticide.
- Mosquito Trap – can be used indoors and outdoors depending on the type. It is usually run by electricity. Insecticide – after spraying insecticide, you should not leave the doors and windows open. Mosquitoes will just come back once the insecticide is gone in the air.
- Remove Stagnant Water – water is where hundreds of mosquitoes are being developed. Stagnant water can be seen on stock bottles, containers, plants in a pot, flower vases, water fountains, ponds, etc.