- 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 about 2,700 species of mosquito. 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.
