Mosquitoes are responsible for causing more human suffering than any other animal. Diseases vectored by mosquitoes fall into three primary categories: (1) protozoan diseases, such as Malaria; (2) filarial diseases, such as heartworm; and (3) viral diseases, such as yellow fever, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus.  The number of people worldwide affected by mosquito-borne diseases is staggering. Within the United States, West Nile virus and the encephalitides (western equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and eastern equine encephalitis) are the most commonly reported mosquito-borne infections in humans.

Although most mosquito control programs are similar, programs must tailor their control strategies for the species of concern in their area.  In any given county within the United States there are typically more than 30 different types, or species, of mosquitoes (there are over 200 different species within the United States).  The differences between these species can be negligible, but at the same time, they can be quite dramatic.  For instance, some species of mosquitoes never bite people, rather they prefer birds or amphibian hosts. Certain mosquito species prefer to feed during the daytime, while others feed at night. Regardless of these differences, all mosquito species have a similar life cycle that is dependent upon water.  However, the location, size and longevity of these water sources that are required for immature mosquito growth are extremely varied.

Certain population groups are more susceptible to mosquito-borne diseases.  Typically, people with weakened immune systems (children, pregnant women, and the elderly) are most susceptible to mosquito-borne infections and suffer the worst symptoms.

Mosquito control professionals manage mosquito populations using a variety of tools and procedures that are integrated and customized for each specific location.  These management strategies rely on the use of environmentally friendly insecticides that are registered by the EPA and that have minimal impact on non-target organisms. Mosquito control professionals follow strict state and federal guidelines and regulations to ensure that their practices are safe for both humans and the environment.

Mosquito control involves a variety of methods aimed at reducing mosquito populations and minimizing their impact on public health. There are five critical facets to a well-balanced IMM program: (1) Engaging the community regularly; (2) Surveillance, mapping, and rational setting of action thresholds; (3) Physical control through manipulation of mosquito habitat; (4) Larval and adult mosquito management using multiple tools including source reduction, biological control, and the application of targeted insecticides; and (5) Monitoring for insecticide efficacy and pesticide resistance.

Mosquito control helps to reduce the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, protecting public and animal health and improving overall quality of life.  A sound mosquito control program can also have economic benefits in an area by reducing healthcare costs associated with mosquito-borne illnesses and improving tourism.

The first step citizens can take to help their local program is to report mosquito breeding sites and nuisance mosquito problems to your local mosquito control agency.  Secondly, programs need public support when funding measures and programs are voted on.  Residents can also participate in community-driven mosquito control initiatives and volunteer programs.  And, of course, be informed about your local mosquito control program, their efforts and regulations.

Eliminate standing water around your property, such as in bird baths, flower pots, and buckets. Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly; mosquitoes can readily breed in these difficult to reach locations. Repair leaky faucets and pipes that may be dripping and creating standing water around your home. Maintain swimming pools and cover them when not in use for extended periods of time. Contact your local mosquito control agency and report areas of standing water and nuisance mosquito problems. Finally, encourage your neighbors to participate in and support local mosquito control efforts.

Yes. Mosquitoes, just like most other blood feeding insects, use the carbon dioxide that we exhale out as a long distance attractant to bring them close to their hosts. But once they actually get close to a host, they use a variety of other cues to finally find a host. These include visual components (shapes/sizes/colors) and other chemical cues such that we exude out. These chemical cues include breath odors, microbiota byproducts on our skin, or other general human odors like octenol, ammonia, caproic acid, or lactic acid. We are all different and these different combinations are more/less attractive to different mosquito species.

Some studies have also shown that certain blood types may be more attractive to some species of mosquitoes. To generalize this, blood group “O” seems to be the most attractive for anthropophilic (human biting) mosquito species, but there really does not seem to be any biological or ecological advantage to this for the mosquitoes as their fecundity (potential to create more babies) doesn’t really change between different blood types.

The combination of visual and olfactory cues listed above, along with the blood type, is really what makes one person more attractive to a mosquito than others.  Your diet can also be important, as some foods (bananas, avocados, grapes) have shown to increase host seeking by some mosquito species, but this is perhaps more dependent upon an individual’s metabolism (breakdown of that food and byproducts) rather than the specific food directly.

In general, when selecting any repellent, make sure you read the label and follow all use guidelines for the product’s use. It is also a good practice when selected a new repellent to treat a small area of your skin at first and ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions.  On the label, look for products that contain one of these Active Ingredients:

1. DEET: DEET is registered with the EPA and endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It is the gold standard for repellents because it’s highly effective in most all situations.
2. Picaridin: Like DEET, is a synthetic repellent and has proven to be very effective against a number of mosquito species. It’s also odorless and less likely to irritate your skin.
3. Oil of lemon eucalyptus: This mosquito repellent is a synthetic derivative of eucalyptus plant oil. Many studies suggest that it is a very effective alternative to DEET.
4. IR3535: IR3535 is a synthetic plant oil that is commonly used in Europe as a mosquito repellent. Studies have shown it to not be harmful or toxic to humans.
5. Permethrin: Permethrin isn’t so much of a repellent as it is an insecticide. For that reason, it is meant to be applied to clothing only. It is relatively safe for humans to use, but it’s been known to cause irritation in some cases when applied directly to skin or tight fitting clothing. It can also be applied to gear, such as tents. You can also purchase clothing that’s already treated with permethrin. One thing to note about permethrin-treated clothing is that it usually works against ticks as well. But, again, it’s a pesticide not just a repellent.
6. Plant-based ingredients: These include ingredients like citronella, lavender, and peppermint. They are natural alternatives to synthetic mosquito repellents. While studies show they are less effective than their synthetic counterparts, plant-based ingredients are unlikely to cause side effects. Generally speaking, these products can be good if you’re not highly attractive to mosquitoes.

• Research the mosquito-borne disease risk in your destination.  A good place to begin is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
• Use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or other proven active ingredients.  Check above for more repellent choices.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outside or in areas where mosquitoes and other biting insects may be present.
• Avoid spending time outdoors during peak mosquito hours, most commonly at dawn and dusk.
• Consider taking prophylactic medication for certain mosquito-borne diseases if recommended by your healthcare professional.

Seek medical attention immediately and inform your healthcare provider of your travel history. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and prevention.