CONSIDER HOW ANNOYING THIS
BUZZING SOUND IS - WHAT IF YOU HAD IT 24/7/52 -
AND IT WAS A WARNING OF DEATH
Malaria - 5 Billion Deaths
Mosquito - A small
fly, occurring worldwide, especially in the tropics. It has long legs
and a slender abdomen. In most species the males feed on plant juices,
while the females suck the blood of mammals, often transmitting serious
diseases - including malaria and yellow fever.
Malaria - A
serious, acute and chronic relapsing infection in humans, an infectious disease caused by
a protozoa of the genus Plasmodium. Characterized by periodic attacks of
chills and fever, anaemia, enlargement of the spleen - splenomegaly, and
often fatal complications.Malaria
is spread by the female Anopheles mosquito, which lives only in the
tropics. Different species of Plasmodium cause different types of
Malaria. Malignant Tertian Malaria, caused by P. falciparum, is the most
severe; benign tertian malaria, caused by P. vivax, is less often
fatal but there are repeated attacks.
The parasites invade the
red blood cells making them burst, causing fever, fits, diarrhoea,
shock, and jaundice. Drugs can treat and prevent the disease, but
malaria remains a major cause of death and ill health in the tropics.
Malaria also is found in apes, monkeys, rats, birds, and reptiles. It is
caused by various species of protozoa, a one-celled organism - called Sporozoans, that belong to the genus Plasmodium. These parasites are
transmitted to humans by the bite of various species of mosquitoes
belonging to the genus Anopheles.
Learn More, Be More
Pictures Below
The
MOSQUITO - plural Mosquitoes, or Mosquitos - Family
Culicidae, any of the familiar insects, numbering about 2,500 species, that are important in public health because of the bloodsucking habits of the females. Mosquitoes are known to transmit such serious diseases as yellow fever, malaria, filariasis, and dengue.
See also dipteran.
The slender, elongated body of the adult is covered with scales; in addition the mosquito is characterized by its long, fragile-looking legs and its mouthparts, which are contained in an elongated proboscis. The threadlike antennae of the male are generally bushier than those of the female. The males, and sometimes the females, feed on nectar and other plant juices. In most species, however, the females require a blood meal in order to mature their eggs, which are laid on the surface of water. Different species of mosquitoes show preferences and, in many cases, narrow restrictions as to host animals.
The eggs laid by mosquitoes hatch into aquatic larvae, or wrigglers, which swim with a jerking, wriggling movement and feed on algae and organic debris; a few are predatory and may even feed on other mosquitoes. Unlike most insects, mosquitoes in the pupal stage, called tumblers, are active and free-swimming. The pupae breathe by means of tubes on the thorax. The adults mate soon after emerging from their pupal cases. The duration of the life cycle varies greatly depending on the species.
Mosquitoes are apparently attracted to host animals by moisture, lactic acid, carbon dioxide, body heat, and movement. The mosquito's hum results from the high frequency of its
wing beats; the female's slightly lower frequency may serve as a means of sex recognition.
Measures used to control mosquitoes include the elimination of breeding sites, the application of surface
films of oil to clog the breathing tubes of wrigglers, and the use of larvicides. Synthetic organic insecticides may be used to destroy adult mosquitoes indoors.
There are three important mosquito genera.
Anopheles, the only known carrier of malaria, also transmits filariasis and encephalitis. Anopheles mosquitoes are easily recognized in their resting position, in which the proboscis, head, and body are held on a straight line to each other but at an angle to the surface. The spotted colouring on the wings results from
colored scales. Breeding usually occurs in water containing heavy vegetation. The female deposits her eggs singly on the water surface. Anopheles larvae lie parallel to the water surface and breathe through posterior spiracular plates on the abdomen instead of through a tube, as do
most other mosquito larvae. The life cycle is from 18 days to several weeks.
The genus Culex is a carrier of viral encephalitis and, in tropical and subtropical climates, of filariasis. It holds its body parallel to the resting surface and its proboscis is bent downward relative to the surface. The wings, with scales on the veins and the margin, are uniform in
color. The tip of the female's abdomen is blunt and has retracted cerci (sensory appendages). Breeding may occur on almost any body of fresh water, including standing polluted water. The eggs, which float on the water, are joined in masses of about 100 or more. The long and slender Culex larvae have breathing tubes that contain hair tufts; they lie head downward at an angle of 45° from the water surface. The life cycle, usually 10to 14 days, may be longer in cold weather. C. pipiens pipiens is the most abundant house mosquito in northern regions; C. pipiens quinquefasciatus is abundant in southern regions.
The genus Aedes carries yellow fever, dengue, and encephalitis. Like Culex, it holds its body parallel to the surface with the proboscis bent down. The wings are uniformly
colored. Aedes may be distinguished from Culex by its silver thorax with white markings and posterior spiracular bristles. The tip of the female's abdomen is pointed and has protruding cerci. Aedes usually breeds in floodwater, rain pools, or salt marshes, the eggs being capable of withstanding long periods of dryness. The short, stout larvae have a breathing tube containing a pair of tufts; the larvae hang head down at a 45° angle from the water surface. The life cycle may be as short as 10 days or, in cool weather, as long as several months. A. aegypti, the important carrier of yellow fever, has white bands on its legs and spots on its abdomen and thorax. This domestic species breeds in almost any kind of container, from flower pots to discarded car-tire casings. A. sollicitans, A. taeniorhynchus, and A. dorsalis are important salt-marsh mosquitoes. They are prolific.
breeders, strong fliers, and irritants to animals, including humans.
The
Mosquito has been around a long time. This insect could contain the DNA
of a small mammal that died over 100 million years ago, a small creature
that could well be your ancestor.
Mosquito
- A small
flying biting insect that could be described as a type of Fly. It lives worldwide, especially in the tropics. It has long legs and a slender
abdomen, Culex Forma. In most species the males feed on plant
juices or nectar. The females puncture the skin with a long proboscis, to
suck the blood of mammals,
quite often transmitting serious diseases, including Malaria, Dengue Fever,
Encephalitis and Yellow Fever. The mosquito is not strictly a parasite.
There
are around 2,500 different species of mosquito throughout the world, of
which 150 kinds live in the United States of America. One female can lay
over 200 eggs at a time, and these mosquito eggs can survive for more
than five years, lying in stasis waiting for a sufficient amount of
water to trigger life. Every mosquito needs water to complete the first
three stages of it's life-cycle.
Not
all species want to bite humans; some prefer birds, others prefer
horses, and some will even bite frogs and turtles, but like the flea
they will go off-specie, when survival depends on it. Only the females
take blood, the males either never feed or only on plant nectar.
Size
for size, the mosquito can fly extensive distances and whilst some of
the genus remain close to their place of birth, others can fly 20 miles
or more. In human terms this is like around the world twice.
Mosquitoes
do not live in grass or shrubbery, their main habitat is the air,
although some adults rest in these areas during daylight hours, during
the night depending on personal liking they are off hunting. Mosquitoes are directly
responsible for more human deaths and illnesses than any other living
creature, including Man.
Historically, they are also a clear
leader; depending on how far you wish to go back in the chronicle of
humankind, over 50 billion people have died by being bitten by
mosquitoes.
The Mosquito - It is amazing the intricacies
of the little bits of its body when photographed close up. We could
wonder what one of its minuscule hairs would look like really close
up as well. Are there possibly tiny minuscule mites there, also
carving out a living by biting the mossy.
Parasite
- An organism living in or on another organism of a different species,
called the host, from which it obtains food and protection. Many parasites have complex life cycles, with one or more intermediate hosts,
of different species, supporting them during their development. The study of
parasites - parasitology - is of importance in medicine since many parasites, such as bacteria,
fungi, either cause or transmit disease. Many plants are either partly or completely parasitic.
mozkeytos,
moskeytoes, mozzies, mozzy, maleria, meleria, melaria, protection
from malaria
Understanding how fleas live, and breed, makes it easier to
understand the best methods available to eradicate a flea problem.
EGGS.
One female adult flea can lay anything from one to FORTY eggs each
day, with the highest concentration of egg-laying occurring in the final two to
three days of life. Eggs are oval, around 0.5mm long, white and rounded at both
ends. The eggs are not sticky so once laid, they immediately fall onto the
ground, wherever the host is at that time.
Depending upon the temperature and
most importantly, humidity, the eggs will
hatch into larvae within two to ten days. Humidity below 50% may cause them to
dry out and become food for luckier hatchlings. The environment in which the eggs are
deposited is therefore of prime consideration to flea survival rate and helps to
explain why warmer winters and hot summers have increased flea populations
considerably in recent years. Homes should be well aired and this will help the
drying effect and possibly protect against not only fleas but also the dust-mite.
LARVAE.
A larva will hatch from an egg using a chitin tooth - an egg
splitting spine on its head. This disappears when the larva changes into the
second of its three 'molts' or development stages. It is this tooth that is
changed by modern oral flea treatments. Treatments contain an insect development
inhibitor renders the chitin tooth ineffective, this prevents
the larvae from cutting his way out.
Larvae are semi-transparent and sparsely covered in short
hairs. They are usually white with a yellow-brownish head and are generally
quite active. They are dependent on a diet of adult flea faeces for survival, but will also feed on other organic debris
in your carpet. In this domestic environment, flea larvae are found at the base
of the carpet pile, where they can encounter food, are sheltered by the canopy
of carpet fiber and can keep away from direct light. So it is clear that the
more powerful any vacuum cleaner you have the greater ability for it to
suck these little varmints out and into the dust container for disposal.
PUPAE.
After the third moult, the larva moves to an
undisturbed place to begin spinning a silk cocoon coated with particles of
debris picked up from its surroundings for use as camouflage. It is within the cocoon that the larvae turns into the next
stage of development - the pupa. Pupae subjected to suitable hatching conditions can emerge
as adult fleas as early as three to five days following pupation. From this stage, the adult flea develops. The
fully formed adult flea remains in the cocoon until stimulated to hatch by, for
example, warmth, vibration and even exhaled carbon dioxide from a passing
potential host - which includes the human!
Under
certain laboratory conditions fleas have lived dormant like this for up to five
years. So even an empty house can harbor these dangers until the unsuspecting
new tenant moves in creating the phenomenon known as the 'pupal window' and you need to be aware of it before effective flea
treatment can begin.
Environmental sprays and powders
cannot readily penetrate
the cocoon and therefore have no effect on the maturing adult inside if used on
their own. These fleas continue to hatch from their protective
cocoons and, unless the flea control regime is maintained, will be the source of
the next generation of fleas ready to cause you and your dog more problems!
ADULTS
Almost immediately after the adult flea has hatched from its cocoon, it will begin looking for its first blood meal. Unlike the flea larva,
which tends to move away from light, adult fleas move upwards and towards the light, in order
to be in a better position to locate a suitable victim.
The flea's eyesight is not brilliant and so
warmth and
carbon dioxide in the air appear to be answerable for helping it find its goal. Air currents will be
changed by a cat or dog moving past the adult flea, the carbon dioxide increases
and the flea detects these changes and jumps in the hope of landing in close proximity to the waiting adult.
Adult fleas have been known to jump as many as 10,000
times in succession, whilst trying to leap onto a passing cat or dog - the flea
knows they are close by but it's more a question of luck than judgment when
trying to make a successful connection between the hooks on the flea's legs and
the fur on the cat or dog.
However, once satisfactorily 'anchored', the flea will
immediately begin to feed and the females will begin laying eggs after only 48 hours
after
the first feed. Before drinking the blood, the flea secretes special enzymes
within its saliva into the
wound. This substance softens and spreads the skin tissue,
assisting with feeding. More helpfully the saliva contains an anti-coagulant
making the blood flow. This saliva is usually the cause of allergic
reactions in cats, dogs - and humans.
Once on a suitable host, the adult fleas will remain there
until they die, which is usually within one or two weeks. Unfortunately for the
pet, although providentially for the parasite population, females tend to live
longer than males and there are naturally more females than males. If the animal is
left to groom itself normally and cats groom more thoroughly than dogs on the
whole, many adult fleas will be dislodged or swallowed naturally. However,
if for any reason, the animal is unable to groom itself - it may be ill for
example, then the owner should groom it more frequently than usual, to complement
their pet's natural methods of flea control.
Immunity
- The resistance of the body to infection, especially resistance due to
antibodies. Babies have passive immunity from antibodies transferred from the mother’s blood through the placenta. Active immunity involves the formation of antibodies after exposure to an antigen
- bacteria that invade the body during an infection are antigens. The two different kinds of immune response produced by antibodies involve: white blood cells called T-lymphocytes
- produced by the thymus, which produce cells with antibody properties bound to their surface and are responsible for such reactions as graft rejection; B-lymphocytes, which produce cells that release free antibody into the blood.
Leucocyte
- lymphocytes - or white blood cell. A colorless cell found in large numbers in the blood. There are several kinds, all involved in the body’s
defence mechanisms. Granulocytes and monocytes destroy and feed on bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infection
- see also phagocyte. The lymphocytes are involved with the production of
antibodies.
Phagocyte
- A cell that engulfs and then digests particles from its surroundings: this process is called phagocytosis. In vertebrate animals, phagocytes are a type of white blood cell that protect the body by engulfing bacteria and other foreign particles.
Immunization is the production of immunity by an injection containing antibodies against specific diseases
e.g. tetanus and diphtheria, which provides temporary passive immunity, or by
vaccination, which produces the longer lasting active immunity.
Antibody
- A protein produced by certain white blood cells -
lymphocytes that reacts with a particular foreign particle e.g. a
bacterium, that has entered the body. The antibody helps to destroy the foreign particle,
known as the antigen. If the same bacteria invade the body in future, many more of the same antibodies are produced, enabling the body to destroy the bacteria very rapidly and so resist infection. This provides the basis of
immunity. Antibodies are also responsible for the rejection of foreign tissue or organ transplants. See also
monoclonal antibody.
Monoclonal antibody
- A type of pure antibody that can be produced artificially in large quantities and used, for example, to distinguish the major blood groups. Mouse lymphocytes producing the required antibody are fused with mouse cancer cells; the resulting hybrid cells multiply rapidly and all produce the same type of antibody as their parent lymphocytes.
Whilst
all this bodily protection sounds wonderful, the problem with
MRSA, is
that there is no defence to it, no answer to its attack. Thank goodness
that there is at least some medicinal defence to Malaria
Whilst we try to report all the facts as accurately
as possible, we will not be made responsible for any mistakes or errors
that maybe inadvertently made.
There
are many varieties of mosquitoes, each of which has a different preferred
habitat and behavior, along with a preferred source of blood. In some ways
they are much like other insects, particularly the FLEA.
The
FLEA - Click.
The
mosquito is so numerous, and such a ferocious biter of humans and animals, that
in many countries there are established agencies to control them. Organized
mosquito control is necessary because they are not only an annoyance as
ferocious biting insects, but are also involved regularly in transmitting
disease to humans and animals.
There
are billions of mosquitoes in flight, as we speak. But they are only one
kind of insect, among billions of other types of insect. It has been
calculated that if all insects could be weighed en masse, their
total weight would be FOUR TIMES greater than the total weight of all
human beings on the planet.
Mosquito
control agencies hopefully reduce mosquito numbers in various ways, including
water management, biological control agents, and insecticides. Insecticides can
be effective in controlling their larvae and or the imagoes, the mosquito adults.
Mosquito populations can increase rapidly, and, depending on flooding and
general weather conditions, mosquito control agencies cannot always keep up with
mosquito problems in all areas. Very often, local inhabitants can help appreciably
by being alert to these dangers and assist in controlling mosquitoes around
their area, homes and properties.
The mosquito has evolved to need water
One
of the most important things on the planet is water. We all need water to
survive. The mosquito has evolved to need water in a unique way. It can
only breed successfully with the aid of still water. Preferably, it lays its
eggs in still water and this can be in a lake, a pond, a ditch,
an upturned tire, even in tire tracks
or even in an old discarded cup or bean-tin, filled with rain.
Still water is an area of
water that is non-flowing, so a river would be no good as the off-spring might
be swept away. The still water can be almost any water of any amount, stagnant or not.
Whilst this shows great opportunistic values, water can also be the mosquito's Achilles
Heel.
The Egg,
the Larva, the Pupa
All
mosquitoes, like most flying insects, have four stages of development. The Egg,
the Larva, the Pupa, and finally the Imago - the adult.
The
adult female lays her eggs in still water, some even lay eggs in damp places, such
as mud or fallen leaves, a place that she
feels may become wet at a future time, due to
rain or high tides.
The
mosquito then basically spends its first three stages of life, as an egg,
a larva and pupae, all in water.
This
water is often stagnant, and the eggs deposited soon hatch into
larvae. In the hot summer months, larvae grow rapidly, become pupae, and emerge
two to seven days later as a flying adult mosquito. A few important spring species have
only one generation per year. However, most species have many generations per
year, and their rapid increase in numbers becomes a mammoth problem.
Their
only tasks in life are to mate, feed and for the female, lay eggs. Only
the female can bite, and therefore fill herself with three times her own weight
in blood.
After
the adult mosquito surfaces from the aquatic stages, by sliding out of the pupa
and the water, they seek a mate. Mosquitoes can mate on the wing, and often
during a warm summer evening, we can see them in their thousands, as they dance around each other in
an almost cloud of activity.
Mosquitoes
are found almost anywhere there is water. Although most people consider mosquitoes
to be pests, they are an important part of the ecology and provide food
for birds and fish.
Mosquitoes
are attracted to bright colors, particularly red, as well as dark colors
resembling the fur of animals. They also like sweet or floral scents, as
in deodorants and perfumes, but are repelled by body odors.
The
most effective insect repellents are those containing, DEET or diethyltoluamide.
Otherwise, wearing heavy, light-colored clothing, foregoing baths, and
leaving perfumes and deodorants home are your best options.
Other
tricks include standing in a windy area as this prevents mosquitoes from
landing on you, standing in the middle of a large flat rock as mosquitoes
are more likely to hover over grassy areas, or burning smoky or smelly
things in the campfire. Some people swear by burning candles that
contain Citronella oil. In fact rub exposed areas with Citronella Oil,
Tea-Tree Oil, Pennyroyal, Eucalyptus Oil, Lavender Oil, or Cedar Wood
Oil, as they do not like these strong odors. Eating a lot of
garlic is also good as a repellent but it does not only repel insects.
After
they have mated, the female then seeks a blood meal to intravenously obtain the protein
necessary for the development of her eggs. Without the protein and goodness of
her victim's blood, she cannot make her eggs. The female of a few species can
produce this first batch of eggs without this blood transfusion. After a blood
meal is digested and the eggs are formed and laid, the female mosquito again searches for a
prospective mammal to feed off, which helps her produce a second batch of eggs.
He lives for only a short time after mating.
Depending
on her endurance and the weather, she may repeat this process many times without
mating again. The male mosquito does not take a blood meal, but may feed on
plant nectar or sap. He lives for only a short time after mating.
Most mosquito species
survive the winter as eggs. The cold putting them into a hibernation or stasis, awaiting the spring
thaw When waters warm, it triggers the eggs to hatch. A few species though, spend the winter as
adults, lying dormant sheltered cool locations, such as cellars,
sewers, crawl spaces. With warm spring days, these females at once seek a
blood meal and begin the cycle again. Only a few species can overwinter as
larvae.
Mosquito Carried Diseases
Mosquito
carried
diseases, such as Malaria and Yellow Fever, have plagued civilizations for
thousands of years. Organized mosquito control around the world has greatly
reduced the incidences of these diseases. Mosquito control agencies and health departments cooperate
in being aware of these factors and reducing the chance of disease.
It is
important to be aware of that the young adult female mosquito, taking her first
blood meal does not transmit diseases. As a yet untouched insect, she will only
transmit any maladies that she gains from feeding off her host.
It is instead the older female,
and then only if she
has picked up a disease organism in her first blood meal. Only then can she transmit the
disease during her second meal, usually on a yet uninfected host.
When mosquitoes
are numerous
When mosquitoes
are numerous and interfere with a good normal living, your recreation, and work, you can see
that the diverse measures described below are vital if we are to beat this
creature.
The most
efficient method of controlling mosquitoes is by reducing the availability of
still water, to stop their breeding. As in Flea control, we have advised the
humble vacuum cleaner to suck up eggs, and larvae, which breaks the cycle of
life for this insect. The lack of water, also breaks the cycle of life, but is
perhaps not so easy.
To
be able to breed at all, the mosquito female will require water and her uncontrollable urge to lay
her eggs will force her to look far and wide if need be, looking for any possible site. Whilst this shows great opportunistic
awareness, water can also be the mosquito's Achilles
Heel. take away these opportunities an numbers fall.
Count Ferdinand De Lesseps
Click.
When
the British dug the Suez Canal, they were beaten by the mosquito, that spread Malaria
profusely Eventually a French man, Count Ferdinand De Lesseps, finished it off
by taking this creature into account. But when he was asked to build the Panama
Canal, he was beaten again by the mosquito. It took the Americans to beat it
before it was finished. They came up with the idea of not getting rid of still
water, as this was too greater a task, instead they poured fuel oil on ponds and
swamps. the oil floated on the surface, some say to only a molecule thick. When
the larvae came up to breathe they ingested the oil and were killed.
So
large lakes, ponds, and streams that
have waves, and contain insect eating fish, and lack aquatic vegetation, that
offer protection, are not suitable for the survival of this insect. They only thrive in smaller bodies of
water in protected places.
Scrutinize
your property and neighborhood and take the
following precautions.
Dispose of unwanted
receptacles, like cans and tires.
Clean
gutters and drain flat-roofs.
Have
some fish in ornamental ponds.
Change water in birdbaths, fountains,
often.
Clean and chlorinate swimming
pools. When not regularly
used, empty.
Turn over unused wading pools,
anything that is likely to collect rain.
Cover
rain drums with sheeting when storing rain for gardens.
If instructions are carried out to the letter
Numerous
commercially
available insecticides can be quite successful in controlling larval and even adult
mosquitoes. These chemicals are considered adequately safe for use by the
public, if instructions are carried out to the letter. If you have a problem and
want to diminish the mosquito population in your area, select a product where the label
maintains that the material is effective
against mosquito larvae and or adults.
Various commercially
available repellents
For
your own personal comfort, there are various commercially
available repellents that can be acquired as creams, lotions, essential oils or in pressurized cans
and applied to directly to the skin or clothing. Candles can be bought for
evening el fresco gatherings, whose wax releases a repellent
chemical. The usefulness of all repellents vary from place to place, and from person to person, and from mosquito to mosquito.
Attracted
by human sweat
Mosquitoes are attracted
by human sweat, body warmth, body odor, carbon dioxide from mammal's breath, and light. Mosquito control
agencies use some of these attractants to help determine the relative number of
adult mosquitoes in any area. Several devices are sold that are supposed to
attract, trap, and destroy mosquitoes and other flying insects. However, if
these devices are attractive to mosquitoes, they probably attract more
mosquitoes into the area and may, therefore, increase rather than decrease
mosquito annoyance.
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