Pennsylvania Is Home to One of the Deadliest Creatures on Earth & They're Just Starting to Become Active

An invasion of this deadly insect causes problems for everyone

mosquitoPhoto byErik KaritsonUnsplash

Many people would probably be surprised to know that mosquitos are one of the deadliest creatures on planet Earth. The truth is that mosquitos kill more people than any other animal or insect in the world. Almost one million people die every year from mosquito-borne illnesses.

Many Americans see them as a nuisance pest, but mosquitos kill people all over the globe with the diseases that they carry, such as malaria, dengue, West Nile fever, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya and lymphatic filariasis (also known as elephantiasis, one of the world’s leading causes of disability).

There are over 3,000 mosquito species in the world. Most of them do not consume blood or transmit diseases. The most dangerous species for humans are certain species of Anopheles, Aedea, and Culex. Aedes aegypti alone spreads lymphatic filariasis, Zika, dengue, and yellow fever.

The Anopheles mosquito, which is the main spreader of malaria in tropical and sub-tropical climates, can be found on every continent except Antarctica and its range is spreading north and south with climate change.

If using mosquito insecticides isn't for you, there are other plants that you can use to repel mosquitos from your yard. One plant that will not be mentioned is the citronella plant Pelargonium x citrosum, which was debunked as a mosquito repellent by a Florida A&M study.

One plant that is helpful is American Beautyberry. The fragrant oils released by crushing the leaves of the beautyberry repel mosquitoes, and the berries often last long into the winter to attract and feed songbirds and small mammals.

Another plant that can be used to deter mosquitos is catnip. Spread some clippings around the pool and/or patio area to keep the insects at bay.

Lemongrass is also effective in keeping mosquitos away. Somehow, the natural oils in Cymbopogon citratus manage to smell like real lemons, only better. Coarsely chop the leaves off of this plant and spread them around your outside lounge area. They will not only keep the mosquitos away, but they will release a pleasing aroma too.

Marigolds are mosquito-repelling flowers that are easy to grow from seed. The substance in marigolds that gives them their insect-repelling power is pyrethrum, the same substance used in many organic insecticides.

All types of mint plants repel mosquitos. They smell amazing and they grow and spread amazingly fast, so make sure you contain them in a certain area.

All of these plants (and there are many more) cannot just simply be grown to keep the mosquitos away. You need to release their essential oils and spread them around your yard, pool, and/or patio. Add some plant cuttings to the grill or spread them along a footpath in your yard that will ensure that the oils are released with every step.

Mosquitoes, though small in size, pose formidable dangers to human health due to their ability to transmit diseases. Taking proactive measures to repel mosquitoes is vital for safeguarding ourselves and our communities.

When we eliminate breeding sites, use protective clothing, install screens, and apply mosquito repellents, we can significantly reduce our exposure to these bloodthirsty insects. By adopting these repellent strategies and raising awareness about the dangers of mosquitoes, we can combat their threat and promote healthier, safer environments for all.