Know the facts about mosquitoes and how to protect yourself
With dengue activity in Hillsborough County, residents may be paying closer attention to mosquitoes and looking for ways to protect themselves and their families. But not everything you hear about mosquitoes may be true. From when mosquitoes bite to where they breed, understanding the facts can help residents take effective steps to reduce mosquito populations and prevent bites.
Here are five common myths and facts that residents should know.
Myth 1: All mosquitoes are the same
False. There are thousands of mosquito species, and different species have different behaviors, habitats, and abilities to spread disease. Florida is home to more than 80 species of mosquitoes, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In Hillsborough County, local officials estimate the total count to be between 40 and 50 different mosquito species.
Some mosquitoes are considered nuisance mosquitoes, while others can transmit disease. The Aedes mosquito is the only species that can spread dengue, with Aedes Aegypti being the main species responsible for spreading the virus. These mosquitoes commonly live around people and can bite both indoors and outdoors. That means mosquito management isn't a one-size-fits-all effort. Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services monitors mosquito populations and mosquito-borne illnesses and uses a combination of methods to knock down mosquito populations. Among those methods are trapping, eliminating breeding sites, managing larvae (larvicide), and treating adult mosquitoes (adulticide).
Knowing which mosquitoes are present and how they behave can help residents and mosquito control professionals better target prevention efforts.
Myth 2: Mosquitoes only bite at night
False. Some mosquitoes are most active at night, but mosquitoes that can spread dengue can bite during the day, too.
Aedes mosquitoes can bite during both the day and night. Their peak biting activity is often around sunrise and sunset, but residents should take precautions whenever they are outdoors. That means waiting until nighttime to use insect repellent may leave residents unprotected during parts of the day when mosquitoes are active.
Residents are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites throughout the day, especially at dawn and dusk. Use insect repellent according to the label, wear long sleeves and pants when practical, and consider screens to help keep mosquitoes outside.
Myth 3: Mosquitoes love sweet blood or specific diets
False. There is no simple food or "sweet blood" explanation for why mosquitoes are attracted to some people more than others. Mosquito attraction is influenced by a complex combination of factors, including chemical and visual signals. There is no scientific evidence that eating specific foods will make someone less attractive to mosquitoes.
Female mosquitoes need blood to develop their eggs, but they don't choose people based simply on whether someone has a sweet diet. Don't rely on changing your diet as a mosquito-control strategy. Instead, focus on proven methods such as eliminating standing water, using insect repellent, and covering exposed skin.
Myth 4: Mosquitoes only breed in large ponds or pools
False. Mosquitoes can breed in surprisingly small amounts of standing water.
Dengue-carrying Aedes mosquitoes commonly lay eggs in containers that hold water, including buckets, bowls, pet dishes, flowerpots, and vases. Mosquito eggs can also survive on the sides of containers above the waterline and hatch when water reaches them. Even small containers around a home can provide enough water for mosquitoes to develop.
Residents should regularly check their yard and other outdoor spaces for anything that can collect water. This can include tires, toys, flowerpot saucers, trash containers, buckets, and other items. Don't just look for large bodies of water. Hillsborough County suggests residents empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw away items that can collect water at least twice a week.
Myth 5: Bat boxes or dragonflies are enough to protect you from mosquitoes
False. Bats and dragonflies are natural predators of mosquitoes and can be beneficial to the ecosystem, but they should not be relied upon as the only method of mosquito management, particularly when mosquito-borne disease is a concern.
Bats eat a variety of insects, and although some bats eat mosquitoes, mosquitoes generally make up only a small portion of the diet of most bats. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) says it is unlikely that bats alone can effectively control large mosquito populations.
Dragonflies and their aquatic nymphs also eat mosquitoes, but natural predators cannot consume every mosquito. UF/IFAS specifically advises against relying solely on natural predators to protect against mosquito-borne diseases. Think of bats and dragonflies as helpful members of the ecosystem, not a substitute for mosquito prevention.
Stop the myths. Start with prevention
During a dengue outbreak, every resident can play a role in reducing mosquito populations around their home. Hillsborough County encourages residents to drain standing water from outdoor areas to reduce places where mosquitoes can lay eggs and breed. Residents can also report mosquito-related issues and learn more about County mosquito management services.
Small steps such as emptying a flowerpot saucer or turning over a bucket can eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites before they become a problem.
When it comes to mosquitoes, knowing the facts can help residents better protect themselves, their families, and their communities.