Bite Back: Busting Mosquito Myths & Winning the Battle!

Mosquito Awareness Week is here, and it's time to stop being an all-you-can-eat buffet! These sneaky little vampires aren’t just annoying—they can spread serious diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika. But despite how much we think we know about them, misinformation is everywhere. So, let’s bust some of the biggest mosquito myths and separate fact from fiction!

🦟 Myth #1: Mosquitoes prefer "sweet" blood

Nope! Mosquitoes don’t have a preference for sugary blood. They’re mainly attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, and body odors. Certain compounds in sweat and bacteria on the skin can make some people more enticing to mosquitoes—but it’s not about sweetness!

🌙 Myth #2: Mosquitoes only bite at night

While many species do prefer nighttime meals, some, like the Aedes mosquitoes (which carry Zika and dengue), are active during the day! If you think daytime equals safety, think again.

🧄 Myth #3: Garlic and Vitamin B repel mosquitoes

Sorry, vampire-fighting tactics won’t work here! There’s no solid scientific proof that eating garlic or Vitamin B wards off mosquitoes. The best way to deter them is to use repellents with DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.

🏡 Myth #4: Citronella candles keep mosquitoes away

Citronella does have some mild repellent properties, but a candle alone won’t protect you. In most cases, citronella’s effect wears off quickly, and mosquitoes won’t hesitate to crash your outdoor party.

🌊 Myth #5: Mosquitoes need large bodies of water to breed

Not at all! Mosquitoes lay eggs in tiny amounts of standing water—like in a bottle cap, flowerpot, or clogged gutter. That’s why eliminating even the smallest puddles around your home can make a huge difference!