Mosquito season ...
The mosquito season in Florida will vary depending on which part of the state you're located in. The cooler northern portion normally doesn't begin to experience mosquito activity until early March, while South Florida may see it in early February. Some mosquito species hibernate during the winter and re-emerge when the weather begins to get warmer, while others hatch from previously laid eggs in the spring. The temperature plays a key factor in determining the actual start of the mosquito season. Normally, mosquito activity will begin when the temperature reaches the 50° F level. Mosquitoes thrive on hot weather. So as the temperature begins to rise, the mosquito volume increases accordingly. The mosquito season reaches its peak during the hot summer months.
WHAT ATTRACTS MOSQUITOES?
Mosquitoes are stimulated by a number of factors when seeking out a blood meal. Initially, they’re attracted by the carbon dioxide we exhale. Body heat is probably important too, but once the mosquito gets closer, she will respond to the smell of a potential blood source’s skin. There are up to 400 chemical compounds on human skin that could play a role in attracting mosquitoes. One substance contained in sweat is lactic acid. Research shows it's a key mosquito attractant, particularly for human-biting species like Aedes aegypti, a disease carrier. Mosquitoes are also attracted to dark colors. They can see & use vision to locate targets from a distance and people wearing dark clothing are at higher risk. Other attractants include Fragrances (especially Floral scents); people with blood type "O" are more likely to attract mosquitoes; Movement can attract a mosquito from 30 feet away and Exercising because your body does 3 things: exhaling more carbon dioxide, higher Body temperature and sweating which releases more lactic acid.
I DIDN'T KNOW THAT!
The beneficial Mosquito Fish (Gambusia affinis) is a species of freshwater fish. So named due to their diet consisting of large numbers of mosquito larvae. The female can be distinguished from the male by her much larger size. Mosquito fish and similar species are caught and released in known areas where mosquito larvae has been identified. The female can give birth to a brood (up to 60 young!) in a 16 to 28 day period. Retention ponds, manmade fish ponds, pools and even cow troughs are some of the places these fish have been known to "Dine out" for a meal.
