Thermacell Repellents Blog

Mosquitoes and Diseases...What you Need to Know

Written by Thermacell Repellents | Feb 25, 2022 11:55:00 PM

WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT MOSQUITOES?

It's tough to come up with anything nice to say about them — in fact, the only thing mosquitoes have going for them is that they're a food source for species on the lower end of the food chain.

WHAT'S BAD ABOUT MOSQUITOES?

  • They are the deadliest creature in existence — you might fear tigers, crocodiles, and snakes, but mosquitoes are far more harmful. They are principally responsible for the spread of malaria, West Nile virus, dengue fever, and yellow fever through human populations. Malaria alone takes more than one million lives each year. 
  • They're not pet friendly, either — mosquitoes also spread deadly diseases to other species, including heartworms, which can be lethal to dogs. 
  • They will attack you relentlessly — these little vampires are out for blood and will consume up to 3x their weight of it. Only females bite; males feed primarily on fruit and plant nectar.
  • They'll poison you — when biting, mosquitoes pump saliva into your skin that contains an allergen, which causes the bumpiness and itchiness characteristic of mosquito bites.
  •  And, of course, they're just so annoying.


HOW TO AVOID MOSQUITOES: 

For such a tiny organism, mosquitoes are equipped with many complex systems to locate their next meal. To escape their detection:

  • Don't breathe: Receptors on their antennae can detect the carbon dioxide released when we exhale from up to 75 feet away.
  • Don't sweat: They discern the presence of octanol, a chemical released in human sweat.
  • Stay cool: Heat sensors around the mosquito's mouth can detect the warmth of your body – and help them locate the best capillaries for tapping

Since you can't hold your breath forever, Thermacell offers a solution. Independently tested and EPA reviewed for safety & effectiveness, our mosquito repellents are a DEET-free way to keep you and your family safe from mosquitoes. So whether you are looking for protection for your backyard, patio or need repellent for your outdoor adventure, Thermacell has the right mosquito protection for you.