Fun Facts about Mosquitoes

  • Mosquitoes are known from as far back as the Triassic Period – 400 million years ago.   In North America, they were detected since the Cretaceous Period – 100 million years ago.
  • There are 3,500 species of mosquitoes worldwide.   There are 176 species in the United States.
  • The average mosquito weighs about 2.5 milligrams.
  • The average mosquito takes in about 5-millionths of a liter of blood during feeding.
  • Mosquitoes find hosts by sight (they observe movement).  This occurs by detecting infra-red radiation emitted by warm bodies,  and chemical signals (mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide and lactic acid, among other chemicals) at distances of 25 to 35 meters.
  • Mosquitoes fly an estimated 1 to 1.5 miles per hour.
  • Salt marsh mosquitoes can migrate up to 40 miles for a meal.
  • Bigger people are often more attractive to mosquitoes because they are larger targets and they produce more mosquito attractants, namely CO2 and lactic acid.
  • Active or fidgety people also produce more CO2 and lactic acid.
  • Women are usually more attractive to mosquitoes than men because of the difference in hormones produced by the sexes.
  • Blondes tend to be more attractive to mosquitoes than brunettes.
  • Smelly feet are attractive to mosquitoes – as is Limburger Cheese.
  • Dark clothing attracts mosquitoes.
  • Movement increased mosquito biting up to 50% in some research tests.
  • A full moon increased mosquito activity 500% in one study.

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