Mosquitoes – “the assassin” living among human beings
Various types of mosquitoes exist on the earth. More than 3000 species recognized through out the world. While most male mosquitoes feed on nectar, females feed on human blood. This feeding habit turns them assassin as they become carriers of various diseases. As the number increases in an area, inhabitants become more vulnerable to diseases. In this article, some measures to prevent mosquito breeding are discussed
Life cycle of mosquitoes
Egg, larva, pupa and adult are the four stages in mosquito's lifecycle. Any type of standing water source is suitable for mosquito to lay their eggs. The eggs will hatch out to larva, then to pupa and finally an adult mosquito comes out. In some species, only 5 days time is required for this whole process.Monsoon and mosquito breeding
The three steps in the life cycle of mosquito are aquatic. During rainy season most of those abandoned ponds and wells will get filled with water. Since these sources are not being used frequently, the water in it will get contaminated and this will become breeding spaces for mosquitoes.How mosquitoes becomes threat to human being
Female mosquito feeds on human blood also. It penetrates the skin with their needle like organ to suck blood. As blood is thick, a small quantity of saliva is introduced into the blood stream to dilute blood before sucking. Then it sucks blood. Along with the blood, disease causing organisms are also will enter the body of it. When it attacks the next person, the same process continues and the germs, which it already had in body of the mosquito is transmitted to the other person. Thus he become sick.Diseases caused by mosquitoes
Mosquito spreads malaria, filaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, chicken guinea and much more even without getting affected themselves. Prevention of mosquito breeding
Biological meansIntroducing larva eating fish like thilappia, guppy, goldfish and killifish into these abandoned ponds and tanks, will restrict the larval growth. As biological means does less harm to human beings, it can be used in fresh water ponds also.
Physical meansDo not allow stagnant water to accumulate in flower pots, under a leaky aquarium tank, on the open terrace, area near the water taps, open discarded containers, coconut shells, egg shells, thrown away tyres of vehicles and plastic containers.
Chemical meansChemical pesticides can be sprayed in the contaminated water to prevent larval growth. Water accumulated near the exit point of bio-gas slurry will be a breading place of mosquitoes. Shady corners of the yard, beneath shady trees, dried and decaying leaves are normal hiding places of mosquitoes during day time. Chemical pesticides are suitable for these areas.How to escape from mosquito bite
a) Wear long clothes, like pants and full sleeve shirts, covering your full body while roaming in the courtyard area during evening and morning times.
b) Try to shield the windowpanes with fly nets to prevent entry of mosquitoes.
c) Use mosquito net while sleeping.
d) Use chemical or other repellents wisely as it cause series health problems in some.
e) Try to take bath before going to bed, as the smell of sweat attracts mosquitoes.
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