Mosquito Life
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Mosquito Life
Interesting Facts
Articles and advertisements often appear in newspapers and publications throughout the United States urging the public to erect birdhouses in order to establish colonies of Purple Martins (Progne subis) to control mosquitoes. The publicity proclaims that a martin consumes 2,000 mosquitoes per day, and either states or implies that martins provide effective biological control of mosquitoes. This paper reviews the scientific literature regarding the diet and feeding behavior of the Purple Martin, in order to ascertain what, if any, role martins play in the control of mosquito populations. The author concludes that Purple Martins are ineffective in controlling high pest densities. Few mosquitoes are flying when Purple Martins are feeding and for the greater part of a day, these birds and mosquitoes do not occupy the same space at the same time. Click here to learn more....
Have any conclusions been reached regarding why some people are more susceptible than others i.e. blood type? I have tried gorging on garlic prior to going fishing, but that doesn't seem to help. I am going on a trip to Africa and am concerned about the diseases that the mosquito carry. I do not like using chemical repellents but have to find the best way to deal with this potential problem. Click here to learn more....
Recently advertised mosquito killing systems include insecticide spray nozzles connected by tubing that is installed around lines and the perimeter of the house. The tubing is connected to a reservoir of insecticide (30 - 255 gallons); release of the insecticide is regulated by a timer. Some systems allow programming of the timer to spray up to 96 times per day and include an override system for the homeowner to use in between the preset times if desired. Click here to learn more....