HIV, AIDS, and Mosquitoes

Everyone is concerned about the possibility of contracting HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) / AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). An obvious question is “If HIV can be transferred through hypodermic needles, then why can’t HIV be spread through mosquitoes?”

This is a very good question, and it has not yet been absolutely answered. However, take comfort in knowing that it is highly unlikely that mosquitoes can transfer HIV. Here are a few facts.

1. HIV, unlike malaria, does not replicate in mosquitoes.
2. The blood left on the mouthparts of a mosquito after a feeding is very small.
3. Mosquitoes inject their saliva and suck blood through different tubes. (Note: Common infections from mosquitoes normally come from the injection of mosquito saliva.)
4. Currently, no one has documented a case of an HIV transmission through a mosquito.

These facts are comforting, but common sense cannot be ignored. HIV is spread through blood, and any time blood in any quantity is being transferred from one person to another, there may be a chance for just about any disease to be transferred as well. At this point, it appears highly improbable that HIV can be spread through mosquitoes, but it would be irresponsible to say that it could never happen.

Mosquito Magnet

Have you used the Mosquito Magnet? If so, how well did it reduce your mosquito population?

Mosquito Nets

A mosquito net is a valuable item to have with you when you go camping. You can buy mosquito nets at sporting goods stores, camping supply stores, and Army-Navy surplus stores.

Some fancy mosquito nets are available for domestic use. These are the round types that hang directly from room over the bed. You see these in those movies about Africa. The good news is that they work and can be very stylish in the right room.

Mosquito Flight Range

When it comes to flight range, mosquitoes vary greatly by breed. Some breeds fly only a few hundred feet; however, most breeds fly 1-3 miles. Some breeds can fly dozens of miles.

Wear White after Labor Day and after Dusk

Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. Therefore, it is a great idea to wear light colored clothes outdoors. Avoid clothes that are black, brown, dark blue, etc.

The Bat Signal: Controlling Mosquitoes with Bats

Bats do eat mosquitoes. Unfortunately, less than 1% of a bat’s diet is composed of mosquitoes. Bats will get rid of some mosquitoes, but do not count on them to fix the problem.

Also, consider that bats generate a lot of guano, carry diseases such as rabies, and love to move into attics. Bats can decrease your mosquito population, but consider the risks before you build that bat house.

Garlic May Repel Vampires But Not Mosquitoes

Many people believe that eating garlic will protect them from mosquito bites. Research shows that there is no evidence that garlic repels mosquitoes. Garlic may keep your blood safe from vampires, but it’s probably not going to repel any mosquitoes.

Practicing Your Backhand with the Electronic Mosquito Swatter

The most fun mosquito control product ever invented is the electronic mosquito swatter. This device is basically a small electrified tennis racket. When you see a mosquito, you press down the on button to electrify the swatter’s metal mesh and swing away. As soon as the mosquito touches the wires, she will fry.

The frightening thing about this swatter is that awkens your dark side. You will realize this when you finally catch that pesky mosquito that has just tormented you in a darkened bedroom for three hours. The urge to hold down the on switch and watch the mosquito spark and sizzle is uncontrollable. When you start smelling the scent of burnt mosquito, you’ll say, “Wow, I need counseling.” But right after you say that, you will go to sleep in a nice, quiet, mosquito-free room. Trust me, after a good night’s sleep, you’ll be back to your good old self.

Sweet Breezes: Wind Makes Flight Difficult for Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes weigh only 2 to 2.5 mg. This extremely light body makes clam-air flight easy but rough-air flight nearly impossible.

A mosquito will have an incredibly difficult time landing on you if you sit near a fan or in some sort of steady air current. If you want to sit on your back porch without being harassed by mosquitoes, take a fan with you or install a ceiling fan.

Mosquito Coils

Have you used mosquito coils? If so, how what brand did you use, and how well did they work?

West Nile Virus: From Africa to Your Back Yard

West Nile virus (of the family Flaviviridae) is a disease spread mostly through mosquitoes (mainly Culex pipiens) and infects birds, people, horses, and some other mammals.

Approximately 80% of people infected with West Nile virus do not show symptoms. Others show mild flu-like symptoms. Less than 1% of the infected will experience encephalitis and meningitis, conditions which are sometimes fatal. Older people are at greater risk for suffering from the more severe symptoms.

Although a West Nile virus vaccine exists for horses, one does not yet exist for humans.

Outrunning Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can fly as fast as 1 to 1.5 miles per hour. This means that the average person can easily outrun a mosquito by walking at a brisk pace.

The mosquito’s low flight speed is why active children do not get bitten by mosquitoes as often as adults. Adults are stationary targets and an easy landing zone for mosquitoes. Children move around a lot more, and a running child is an almost impossible place to land.