Unmasking the Myths About Mosquitoes in NC

In the Triad of North Carolina, ask any mammal if it’s fond of mosquitoes, and you’ll get an emphatic, “Are you crazy?!” in response. But, of all the mammals out there, only humans have the scoop on the facts and fiction regarding these pesky little bugs and their capacity to spread disease. Or so you would think. Unfortunately, some humans have fallen prey to some misinformation which we want to correct.

Myth: All mosquitoes bite.

Fact 1: Not true. Only female Mosquitoes bite. They need a blood and protein meal to lay there eggs. Mr. Mosquito simply buzzes around your head chasing after his honey bunch.
Fact 2: Out of more than 3,500 species, a few can actually lay eggs without a blood meal first. They get the protein from other sources. But the biters far outnumber the peaceful ones making it seem like every species is out to get you.

Myth: Mosquitoes can spread Coronavirus.

Fact: Not true. The mama mosquito can deliver Malaria, West Nile Virus, Encephalitis, Zika virus, Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and other disease through her saliva as she bites you with her proboscis. However, she digests the coronavirus and eliminates it through the other end of her tract, by which time it is rendered harmless.

Myth: People with Type-O blood attract more mosquitos.

Fact: Like Dracula, mosquitoes are happy to drink anyone’s blood. What draws them is your carbon dioxide emissions and body heat, plus maybe a cocktail of your skin’s genetically-determined fragrance. Perhaps the myth gained traction because Type-O is the most common blood type of all, therefore Type O gets the most bites.

Myth: Citronella candles repel mosquitoes.

Fact: Who started that myth? The guy who invented citronella candles? The truth is, other botanicals effectively repel mosquitoes, but citronella fails to live up to claims.

Myth: Citizens of the Greensboro - Winston Salem area of NC are in very little danger from mosquito-borne diseases.

Fact: North Carolinians enjoy no special favor in that department. North Carolina has been able to afford to make the necessary precautions and plans that many mosquito born diseases have been eradicated. But that does not mean that, under the right conditions, an outbreak could not take place. Every year the West-Nile virus comes about, and we have seen in other areas other virus spread like crazy. That can possibly happen here as well.

Myth: Every continent on the planet has mosquitoes. You can’t escape them.

Fact: Yes, you can. But you’ll have to move to Antarctica to do it. Even the arctic tundra and Siberia swarm with these pests briefly during their short summers.

Myth: My family will never enjoy the outdoors in the summer because of the difficulty in eradicating the mosquitoes in my yard and the exorbitant cost of pest control.

Fact: Sit up and smile! If you can work with your neighbors, too, and eliminate all the breeding places mosquitoes love, you can go a long way towards thinning out the hoard. Plus, avoid the yard during the hours of dawn and dusk when the critters are out in force. After that, apply a personal repellent containing DEET so you’re set to enjoy your yard again.

After taking these steps call the authority in mosquito control at the Squad for truly effective and affordable mist and treatment plans. Mosquito Squad of the Triad can eliminate these annoying and sometimes dangerous bites. Call for a free quote and receive $50 off a season package at 336-617-5268.