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Did you know there are more mosquitoes on earth than humans?

What’s more surprising is that there are 100 trillion mosquitoes with over 3,450 different species, eagerly seeking hosts to feed on!

Here are some more facts you might not know about these blood sucking insects:

Which Mosquitoes Bite?

Not many people know this, but only female mosquitoes bite. They need the protein present in human blood to develop eggs.

Male mosquitoes on the other hand, feed entirely on plant and fruit nectar. Though, male mosquitoes are much bigger and scarier than female mosquitoes, they don’t feed on human blood. Also, they only live up to 10 days.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Have you ever noticed how mosquitoes seem to be attracted to specific individuals? According to research, around 1 in 10 people attract mosquitoes.

Here’s what makes certain people attractive hosts for this insects:

• Genetics:Some people’s genetic makeup makes them an ideal source of food for mosquitoes. Research shows that your genetics account for 85% of your susceptibility to mosquito bites.
• Sweat:Certain elements in your sweat make you a mosquito magnet. High amounts of cholesterol, steroids, octenol, lactic acid and uric acid in your sweat makes you a perfect target for mosquitoes.
• Breathing:The more carbon dioxide you exhale, the more mosquitoes you’ll attract. That is why mosquitoes frequently bite pregnant women and larger people.
• Heat:Heat attracts mosquitoes. That is why darker clothes attract mosquitoes as they absorb more heat than light colored clothes.
• Fragrance:Certain fragrances, such as perfumes, colognes, shampoos, hairsprays, soaps, fabric softeners and hand creams, also attract mosquitoes.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

Mosquitoes are not only annoying, but their bites can be extremely dangerous. In fact, mosquitoes are the most dangerous insects in the world, responsible for almost 725,000 deaths each year. They carry lethal diseases like dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, chikungunya, West Nile virus and Zika fever.

The list of diseases mosquito bites can transmit goes on and on. Considering the number of lives these diseases take, it’s imperative that you take immediate remedial measures on the first signs of mosquito infestations.

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