Common mosquito and tiger mosquito

Is the mosquito really a useful insect within our ecosystems? The mosquito’s role in nature may not be clear as we tend to think only of the unpleasantness with which it is synonymous (bites, itching, humming in flight), however it is essential to biodiversity as we know it. As alink in the food chain, mosquitoes in different forms are prey to many predators: fish or aquatic animals such as water stick insects feed on mosquito larvae when they form on the surface of the water, and birds or flying animals such as bats are formidable predators of adult mosquitoes. Did you know that a bat can hunt up to 600 mosquitoes an hour ?

The mosquito’s role in plant pollination is also observed and little known. When the female mosquitoes don’t find any animal or human prey, they forage to compensate for the lack of protein required to develop their eggs. The male mosquitoes play a more significant role in pollination as they never bite, however the importance of mosquitoes here is not highlighted as no plant is dependent on the mosquito for survival.

Firstly, only the female mosquito bites. After mating with the male,she looks for a protein source in order to bring her recently fertilised eggs to maturityNot all species of mosquito bite humans: other species are attracted by some mammals, birds or even cold-blooded animals such as frogs and snakes.
Otherwise, the normal mosquito diet is made up of nectar from plants which also makes them great pollinators.

Yes, but it prefers to bite only once if undisturbed. We tend to chase a mosquito away when we notice it: if it’s meal is interrupted then there’s a good chance it will come back to finish it.

For example, tiger mosquito bites are more painful. Humans tend to chase the mosquito away quickly with their arm and it comes back to bite them and finish their meal.

It has been observed that the mosquito is more often attracted by dark colours such as black or dark blue This would suggest that dark skin tends to attract more mosquitoes than pale skin. It is therefore recommended to wear light clothes, even if visual factors only come into play late in the mosquito hunt when it is fairly close to its prey (around 1.5 metres).

Yes, we have found that a link exists with those in blood group O+. The mosquito also finds pregnant women more attractive as their metabolism is higher than average so they give off more CO₂. Genetics also has its role: those who naturally give off more CO₂ or more human smells that attract the mosquito will get bitten more.

The mosquito also considers the behaviour of its prey: children and the elderly are less reactive and are less likely to chase flying insects which suits the mosquito as it has more chance of finishing its meal in one go.

This is because mosquito saliva is allergenic. When it bites, the female injects her saliva and an anti-coagulant: your body’s immune response will be histamine release, a neurotransmitter responsible for unpleasant itching.

This itching starts within 30 to 60 seconds and will disappear after around 10 minutes. This is why you shouldn’t scratch a mosquito spot when you’ve just been bitten (easier said than done?).

No, the female only bites for food and to ensure her eggs reach maturity. It doesn’t die after biting unlike the bee that stings to defend itself and inevitably dies after losing its sting.

Unfortunately, yes.Mosquitoes can hibernateand this is called the diapause. When temperatures fall, the mosquito looks for a warm enough place to ensure it survival and spend winter in a lethargic state (its metabolism is completely at rest) until spring and an upturn in temperatures. In a larva state, mosquitoes can’t develop at a low temperature and remain on the surface of the water until temperatures are conducive to development.However, the Culex pipiens, the most widespread species in France, seeks refuge in our houses. If there is stagnant water, it can even reproduce and live (and bite you!) in winter in your house. Moreover, global warming is bringing us ever milder winterswhich means that the mosquitoes don’t hibernate and can reproduce all year round.

As an adult, the mosquito becomesspiderfood, insects such asdragonflies, birds such as swallows, lizards, or evenbats, Bats are excellent mosquito hunterschauve-souris. : a bat can hunt up to 600 mosquitoes an hour, that’s 5,000 a night! Installing a bat box means that the animal can be re-established in urban areas and the mosquito population can be controlled without using any insecticides.
Mosquitoes are also hunted in larva state. As they develop on the water’s surface, they become prey for aquatic invertebrates or larvivorous fish.

In addition to being the deadliest, mosquitoes transmit more diseases than any other animal on the planet. Depending on the species,the mosquito can transmit Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya or even Palu (parasite). Visit our page on health risks linked to mosquitoes to find out more.

Arabis (simulium and culicoides) are small flies similar to mosquitoes. The females are also hematophagous (blood-sucking) and can bite us. However, they are less dangerous than female mosquitoes even though they can transmit bluetongue from sheep.

Most species have a flight rangebetween 1 and 5 kilometres. As for the tiger mosquito, it prefers to move in a range of around 100 metres. Despite itself, the mosquito can move over a much bigger distance depending on several factors such as the wind, travel by car, train, plane, etc.

The tiger mosquito can settle in many types of environment and is one of the most invasive species in the world: its eggs can withstand drying (dehydration) and low temperatures.Ever-increasing commercial transactions are often responsible for the movement of mosquito species. Tiger mosquitoes are particularly fond of tyre transportation where stagnant water helps them spread.

The fight against mosquitoes encompassesthe science of vector control action. The chemical method (use of insecticides) is the most widespread but also the most criticised for its impact on the environment and ecosystems.

The biological method (aerial application using BTI) targets the mosquito but also impacts chironomids, a cousin of the mosquito. The entire food chain is impacted by killing this species as its predators can no long feed themselves.

The Qista method remains the most effective ecological and environmentally friendly solution  at present. By breaking reproductive cycles and removing larvae, the mosquitoes are captured and the females no longer reproduced in a specific area. Other species continue to play their role in the ecosystems and there is no environmental or human risk.

The Qista method remains the most effective ecological and environmentally friendly solution at present.Qista traps remain the most effective way to get rid of mosquitoesoutdoors while protecting your family. The Qista solution is eco-friendly and only captures female mosquitoes. You can also apply10 eco-friendly gestures to reduce the spread of mosquitoes in your garden..

No.Phone apps claiming to keep mosquitoes at bay using ultrasound are just gadgets and do not work. Be aware that some of these apps do charge despite their lack of proven effectiveness. Repellent bracelets, creams and other scented candles can disturb mosquitoes but their action radius and effectiveness is often limited.