A SCIENTIST has debunked some of the most common myths when it comes to mosquitoes.
The mosquito myth busting comes at the right time, in the midst of summer, as this is the time they thrive in the warm climate.
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University of Maryland doctoral candidate Sarah Rothman did research on the relationship between non-native mosquitoes and plants found in urban areas of differing socioeconomic status, Psy reported.
The research was accompanied by environmental science and technology Professor and Chair Paul Leisnha.
Rothman’s motivation came as mosquitos can be harmful to vulnerable communities and transmit malaria, Zika, and West Nile virus.
Although there is a threat when it comes to mosquitos, Rothman hopes that her research can put ease to some of the scary myths about Mosquitos.
“It’s so important for public health and environmental justice,” she said.
Here is a breakdown of five mosquito myths, according to Rothman.
1. FEMALE MOSQUITOES
Some may figure that all mosquitoes are on the lookout for blood, but this is untrue.
Only female mosquitoes will bite you.
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This is because they need the blood to produce eggs, but they actually get their nutrients similarly to how bees and butterflies do.
2. NIGHT TIME
This myth says that mosquitoes only come out during the day.
Mosquitoes are fully capable of buzzing around at nighttime just as much as in the daytime.
A specific type called the tiger mosquito still can bite you when it’s dark.
3. CITY MOSQUITOES
It is believed that fewer mosquitoes are in the city, but this is false.
Cities are just as vulnerable to mosquitoes as the suburbs.
The mosquitoes have been able to adapt to live in the city by thriving in trash cans, flower pots, and gutters.
Any city that has a lot of trash or moist material laying around can attract mosquitoes, per Rothman.
4. GARDEN MISTAKE
It is believed that if you drain big bodies of water out of your yard like a bird bath or a kiddie pool this will get rid of the mosquitoes.
But this is false because mosquitoes only need one teaspoon of water to lay their eggs.
This means they can attract to a small amount of water too including pet bowls, tarps, and children’s toys, Rothman explained.
There are other ways to get mosquitoes out of a garden, like removing detritus.
5. NEIGHBORS
Another myth is that if you keep your backyard moisture free you are safe from mosquitoes, but this is false.
If your neighbors have standing water that attracts mosquitoes, the mosquitoes can easily travel over to your house and attack you as well.
