On mosquitoes

Follow me	Lynn Hasselberger
	by Lynn Hasselberger

Funky Mosquito Facts

“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer” - Old proverb


“Know Thy enemy”, the saying goes. To beat mosquitoes without harsh, wasteful chemicals, a little knowledge of the little beasts goes a long way. Here’s a few funky mosquito facts to help keep you bite free this summer from Mosquito.org.

• Blondes tend to be more attractive to mosquitoes than brunettes (still need to confirm: is this true for fake blondes?)
• Most adult female mosquitoes live 2-3 weeks, during which time they can feed 4 or 5 times, laying eggs after each meal. Some species that over winter in garages, culverts and attics can live as long as 6 months.
• Bigger people are often more attractive to mosquitoes because they are larger targets and they produce more mosquito attractants, namely CO2 and lactic acid.

Photo: Abhishek727

• In order to obtain energy, both male and female mosquitoes feed upon plant nectars – much in the same manner as honeybees.
• Mosquitoes find hosts by sight (they observe movement); by detecting infra-red radiation emitted by warm bodies; and by chemical signals (mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide and lactic acid, among other chemicals) at distances of 25 to 35 meters.
• Women are usually more attractive to mosquitoes than men because of the difference in hormones produced by the sexes.
• Smaller species of mosquitoes found around houses commonly weigh about 2.5 milligrams. The largest species weigh in at a whopping 10 milligrams (I’d hate to see that one!)
• At least 62 species of mosquitoes have been found infected with the West Nile virus in the United States. Not all of these, however, are capable of maintaining the virus in such a manner as to permit them to transmit it among organisms.

• The progeny produced by one female, based upon egg-laying of 450 eggs per an average of 3 batches per lifetime will reach 49,843,353,164 by the 4th generation (8-16 weeks) based upon a 70% survival. (WHOA!)
• According to some scientists, mosquitoes are known from as far back as the Triassic Period – 400 million years ago. They are known from North America from the Cretaceous – 100 million years ago.
• People drinking beer have been shown to be more attractive to mosquitoes.
• Limburger cheese has also been found to be attractive. Scientists have theorized that this may explain the attraction some mosquitoes find for human feet.
• Ingestion of garlic, vitamin B12 and other systemic remedies has been proven in controlled laboratory studies to have no impact on mosquito biting. (darn!)
• Eating bananas does not attract mosquitoes as the myth suggests, but wearing perfumes does.

A little knowledge goes a long way, especially with an adversary this small and persistant!

While I’m still gathering feedback on DEET-free repellents I thought you’d appreciate some information on plants that may help keep mosquitoes where they belong–far, far away from you. (Note: the leaves of the following must be crushed to release the aroma. Otherwise mosquitoes can’t smell them):


Photo: NellsWiki

• Horsemint has a scent similar to citronella and grows wild in most of the Eastern United States, from Mexico, Texas up to Minnesota to Vermont. It is partial to sandy soils and will grow in USDA Zones 5-10.
• Marigold is a sun-loving annual used by organic gardeners to keep aphids away.
• Ageratum contains coumarin. NOTE: don’t rub ageratum on your skin, though.
• Citronella Geranium (Also called mosquito plant) A genetically engineered geranium hybrid, easily grown as a potted plant. The jury is out on its mosquito repellent effectiveness. But, since it’s attractive, it can’t hurt.
• Agastache Cana is another form of mosquito plant. Its common names include Texas hummingbird mint, bubblegum mint, giant hyssop, or giant hummingbird mint. It’s usually hardy in USDA Zones 5a-9a.
• Catnip is one of the most powerful mosquito repellant plants. Recent studies have shown that it is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. Crush a few leaves and rub on your skin and clothing to enhance the effect.

Photo: D. Gordon E. Robertson
If you’re a gardener who disrupts swarms of mosquitoes every time you step foot into your garden, try incorporating some of these plants/herbs:

•  Citronella
•  Rosemary (crush this and rub on your skin for protection outside of the garden, too)
•  Lemongrass
•  Lemon Thyme
•  Lavender (questionable)
•  Basil
•  Thyme
•  Penny royal garlic
•  Rue


Photo: Michal Rubeš
Have a water garden? Bladderworts, carnivorous plants with small round bladders attached to their leaves, trap and then digest mosquito larvae and other tiny water critters. Weird, but good!
About the Author.
The founder of myEARTH360.com (a proud sponsor of the The Antarctica Challenge screenings at the International Polar Year Conference) plus the I Count for myEARTH blog and campaign, Lynn is also a contributing editor to a number of online environment focused publications. You can find her on twitter and facebook. Guaranteed. Most days between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, son and two feisty cats; and considers herself an environmental and human rights activist.

Natural Chemical Free Mosquito Prevention

Photo: Noodle snacks
Are you doing everything possible to reduce mosquito breeding?
If you’re not sure, here’s a checklist:

• Remove, turn over, or cover any container that can hold water, such as tin cans, buckets, ceramic pots, plastic covers, and toys.
• Store waste tires inside a garage or shed, or drill drainage holes in them.
• Change water often (at least once a week) in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, potted plant trays, and watering troughs.
• Keep water off swimming pool covers. Maintain water quality in the pool. Drain wading pools regularly.
• Make sure roof gutters are draining properly. Clean any debris out once a year.
• Drain (or fill with dirt) unneeded or unwanted pools or puddles.
• Clear obstructions to promote flow of water in catch basins and storm drains
• Fill tree holes with sand or mortar.
• Avoid over watering your lawn.
• Fix leaky outdoor faucets and sprinklers.

Here are some additional precautions you can take:

• Check that your window and door screens are “bug tight.” Repair or replace if needed.
• Plan most outdoor activities during times when mosquito activity is low (dawn to dusk).
• If you go to places with lots of mosquitoes, wear a long sleeved shirt and long pants. Light colors are the least attractive.
• Head nets can also be helpful and are also great conversation pieces.
• Replace outdoor lighting with yellow “bug” lights.

Be sure to select DEET-Free repellents–DEET can be dangerous to your health–but beware of Picaridin. While, according to the CDC, Picaridin is an acceptable alternative to DEET and contains 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 1-methylpropyl ester). I have no idea what that means, but my gut reaction is: it’s a chemical and I’d rather not spray it on my skin, the largest organ of my body. Since the CDC also lists DEET as a good repellent, I don’t exactly trust their acceptance of Picaridin.
If you need a repellent and you need it now, find one with Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (organic, if possible!), which CDC has evaluated and deemed a natural ingredient that provides reasonably long-lasting protection.
If you’re ever wondering about the safety of a product or ingredient, here’s a great resource:
Pesticide Action Network. Search for chemicals, pesticides and specific brand name products in their database (not limited to mosquito sprays!).They also have some great information on how to manage pests on people and pets.
About the Author.
The founder of myEARTH360.com (a proud sponsor of the The Antarctica Challenge screenings at the International Polar Year Conference) plus the I Count for myEARTH blog and campaign, Lynn is also a contributing editor to a number of online environment focused publications. You can find her on twitter and facebook. Guaranteed. Most days between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, son and two feisty cats; and considers herself an environmental and human rights activist.