Tag: disease

Benefits of Mosquitoes

Posted on by k2Dev

The interaction between mosquitoes and the ecosystem is really awe-inspiring. While pesky, and even dangerous to humans, the mosquito plays a critical role in supporting the balance of life.  Without them, parts of the ecosystem would collapse, forever altering nature’s food chain.

Mosquitoes harbor some of the deadliest diseases on earth. Nonetheless nature has put them here for a purpose. So the question still remains, how important are mosquitoes?

Life With and Without The Mosquito

We are all familiar with the reasons why people want mosquitoes to disappear. The spread of malaria, yellow fever,and many other diseases. So what would happen if the mosquito got wiped off the face of the planet?

Well, there are about 3,500 different forms of mosquito. Of that number, there are only about 100 or so that are actually attracted to humans, and only a couple hundred that have any negative impact on the human race. Not so bad when you think of it that way, right?

So what about the other 3,400? Without the mosquito, it is believed that there would be no prey for predators and no pollinators for some plants. Mosquitoes are food for a wide variety of fish, insects, reptiles and birds. And they do an effective job spreading pollen between plants while feeding on nectar.

If there were no mosquitoes, it is predicted that the number of birds would decrease by fifty percent. The “mosquito fish”, the insect’s most common aquatic predator, could face extinction, and some populations of spiders, salamanders, lizards, frogs and other insects could be reduced in large numbers.

It is safe to say that if the mosquito was go, parts of our ecosystem could diminish one species at a time.

More Benefits of the Mosquito

Whether you like them or not, the mosquito performs more services for us than you might imagine – tasks such as pollinating cacao plants. Without the mosquito to pollinate the cacao plant, we may see a day when we kiss our luscious chocolate treats good-bye.

Other plants that rely on the mosquito for pollination could also die out. And the more plants we lose, the more negatively the Earth’s oxygen levels are impacted.  This ultimately affects the oxygen provided to humans and other mammals and living organisms.

And think about the food chain. Losing a few of the mosquito’s natural predators may not seem like a big deal, but the predators of those animals may include some of our very own food sources.

The Final Verdict

Without mosquitoes we wouldn’t have some of the precious living creatures on this earth, since they are a huge food source to many big and small. We wouldn’t have some of the beautiful plants that grow and feed off the earth. We also would have a little less oxygen in the world without the work of these little guys.  And all of our resources are ultimately limited.

But while the mosquito plays an important role in nature, its deadly force should be respected. Mosquitoes are and will remain fit enough for this world, so proper control should remain a priority across the globe.

 

Mosquito Protection While Traveling Abroad

Posted on by k2Dev

Disease is a major problem in some countries. Serious illnesses such as malaria and West Nile Virus can reach epidemic levels in places, and it’s the mosquito that is guilty of the rapid spread of many of these afflictions. They may only be considered a nuisance, pests to be smacked away when you’re safe at home, but if you’re making international travel plans, you must take precautions before reaching your destination – particularly if it’s in a high-threat area.

Overseas Disease Carriers

Some of the diseases that mosquitoes carry:

  • Dengue Fever
  • Malaria
  • West Nile Virus
  • Yellow Fever
  • Encephalitis

Simple Preventative Steps For Travelers

Mosquitoes mostly bite at dusk and after it has become dark. Be extra vigilant at this time. Here are a few more suggestions for dealing with these insects:

  • Avoid areas with standing water if at all possible. These are spots where mosquitoes lay eggs and hatch by the thousand. Even a puddle could be a haven for breeding these nasty bugs.
  • Don’t wear fragrances. You don’t want a mosquito to think you’re a pretty flower. Instead, wear an insect repellent and ensure it contains DEET, the most effective mosquito repellent.
  • Get double protection by wearing repellent and burning citronella candles. Such candles are a natural way of defending against mosquitoes.

Be Prepared

There’s the further consideration of the locale being visited. Perhaps the area is isolated or medical facilities are sub-par. The best protection against the mosquito while traveling abroad is to research the dangers, and to be prepared for every eventuality. Use the greatest resource of information available, the Internet, to become educated to where mosquitoes are particularly prevalent, which diseases are being carried by these bugs and what measures need to be taken to combat illness. Even better, find out the best ways to avoid being bitten by a mosquito altogether. Just remember, there’s no guaranteed way to avoid being bitten so prepare for that possibility. Some practical ways to prepare and be protected are:

  • Mosquito netting on beds. This is a must.
  • Wear an insect repellent.
  • Protective clothing to reduce exposed skin.
  • Be informed.

While these steps may seem simple, it’s surprising how many people don’t apply insect repellent or decide to wear inadequate clothing.

Use Extra Caution

Take these steps further and don’t assume the netting is going to stop mosquitoes. A tiny hole in the netting is all that one of these bugs needs to infiltrate this protection.

The extra caution also applies to being educated on the local area. Are there medical facilities located nearby, and are they well-equipped for dealing with an infection? Drugs aren’t always effective against malaria but they could mean the difference between life and death. Medical authorities within countries afflicted with high incidences of malaria carrying mosquitoes have lived with the mosquito problem for a long time, and they’re well aware of the necessity for quick treatment.