10 interesting facts about mosquitoes

Updated on: June 5, 2026

Quick overview

• Only female mosquitoes bite, using blood to help develop their eggs
• Mosquitoes spread serious diseases and are considered the world's deadliest animals
• Mosquitoes find people by detecting carbon dioxide from our breath
• There are more than 3,000 mosquito species worldwide
• Most mosquitoes live less than two months, but can breed quickly

Summer is many people’s favorite season: the longer days, the warm weather, and the start of festival season. It all adds up to more people spending more time outdoors. Unfortunately, there is one insect that just loves to ruin the days spent enjoying this amazing season: mosquitoes.

Jump to section:

1. Only female mosquitoes bite

2. Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animals

3. Mosquitoes aren’t very good fliers

4. Mosquitoes are big fans of Dirty Dancing

5. Mosquitoes love CO₂

6. There are a lot of mosquitoes

7. Mosquitoes are greedy

8. Mosquitoes don’t live long

9. Mosquitoes are one of the oldest pest species

10. Mosquitoes don’t only bite humans

If you have done any reading, you probably already know these biting insects have become the bane of most of the world. Surprisingly, as well as the aggravatingly itchy bites these bloodsuckers cause, they are actually quite a spectacular group of insects.

Of course, if you are experiencing way too many mosquito bites and want to prevent mosquitoes from ruining your outdoor activities, contact Western Exterminator for a professional mosquito treatment plan.

Here are 10 interesting facts about mosquitoes you need to know.

1. Only female mosquitoes bite

This may surprise you, and most people probably assume all mosquitoes bite, but no, only the females like to use us as a tasty snack.

Why do mosquitoes bite?

Female mosquitoes bite to feed on your blood. The protein and other compounds provide mosquitoes with a feast that is essential to help them produce and develop their eggs.

What do mosquitoes eat?

While female mosquitoes rely on blood to develop their eggs, blood isn’t their main source of food. Both male and female adult mosquitoes primarily feed on nectar. These sugar-rich sources give them the energy they need for daily activities like flying and mating. Only females seek out a blood meal when they need extra protein for egg production. Depending on the mosquito species, some may also feed on honeydew or sap.

Organic matter and microorganisms in standing stagnant water near plants provide a food source for mosquito larvae, making it even more important to remove water buildup around your property. If mosquitoes have become a problem, our pest control experts can help with a customized mosquito control plan.

2. Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animals

When someone mentions the term “world’s deadliest animal,” you probably start thinking of sharks, tigers, crocodiles, and other fierce creatures.

Well, it may shock you to learn that it’s actually mosquitoes. Why? Well, it’s down to the harmful diseases that they are known to spread. Mosquitoes are known as “vectors” for several harmful diseases such as malaria, Zika, and dengue. It is believed that as a result of this, mosquitoes are responsible for around one million deaths per year.

3. Mosquitoes aren’t very good fliers

In comparison to other insects, such as flies and wasps, mosquitoes aren’t the strongest fliers and are quite slow. It is estimated that these biting insects can only fly at speeds between 1 and 1.5 mph, so you can’t expect them to be breaking Usain Bolt’s 100m world record anytime soon.

How high do mosquitoes fly?

Most mosquito species stay fairly close to the ground, often flying at heights below 25 feet. Flight height depends on species, wind conditions, and access to food or breeding grounds. Even though they aren’t strong fliers, mosquitoes can still travel surprising distances if carried by wind or attracted by body heat, carbon dioxide, lactic acid, or stagnant water.

4. Mosquitoes are big fans of Dirty Dancing

This may not be 100% accurate, as we haven’t asked any mosquitoes what their favorite film is, but like Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze in the hit film from the ‘80s, mosquitoes have their own unique dance.

It has been discovered that before mating, mosquitoes engage in a sort of dance that involves beating their wings in a call-and-response type of manner.

5. Mosquitoes love CO₂

Carbon dioxide is one of the main ways in which mosquitoes locate their next feast. They use a special organ called a maxillary palp to follow the smell of CO₂ released from our breath.

6. There are a lot of mosquitoes

A lot! According to the American Mosquito Control Association, there are over 3,000 different species of mosquitoes. Found on every continent except for Antarctica, it is estimated that there are tens of trillions of mosquitoes in the world.

Another mosquito fact is that activity can increase around the time of a full moon, as the moonlight helps mosquitoes to navigate to their next meal.

7. Mosquitoes are greedy

Studies have revealed that mosquitoes are able to drink three times their own body weight in blood. Now that’s a lot!

8. Mosquitoes don’t live long

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about one mosquito becoming the bane of your existence, causing itchy bites for eternity. Why? Well, these biting insects have a very short life span. It is estimated that mosquitoes live for less than two months.

How long do mosquitoes live without blood?

Mosquitoes can live without a blood meal, but not for long if they’re female. Without blood, females can't lay eggs, and typically survive for one to two weeks. Males and females both rely on nectar for everyday energy, so access to sugary plant fluids helps keep them alive.

Knowing about the mosquito life cycle from larva to pupa to adult helps understand how infestations grow. Mosquitoes can breed in small puddles or clogged gutters. Our residential pest control and commercial pest control services target these areas before mosquitoes become a bigger issue.

9. Mosquitoes are one of the oldest pest species

Mosquitoes are as old as the dinosaurs, with evidence of these biting insects dating back to the Triassic period.

If you’ve seen the film Jurassic Park, this comes as no surprise as you’ll recall they used the blood found in fossilized mosquitoes to clone the infamous creatures to fill the park.

10. Mosquitoes don’t only bite humans

So, after reading fun mosquito fact six, you might be a bit scared due to the number of mosquitoes out there, but don’t worry, as not every mosquito craves human blood. Some species prefer to consume their Friday night cocktails from other animals, such as frogs and birds.

How do mosquitoes bite?

When a female mosquito bites, she uses a thin, needle-like proboscis to pierce the skin. It’s actually made of two tubes—one to draw blood, the other to inject mosquito saliva, which keeps the blood from clotting. This process can cause itchiness and, in some cases, the transmission of diseases.

Mosquitoes from the Culicidae family, like Anopheles and Aedes aegypti, are known to spread illnesses such as yellow fever, dengue fever, and encephalitis, while Culex mosquitoes are known for spreading West Nile virus. To help reduce exposure, use an insect repellent and speak with us about our mosquito control services.

If you have any concerns about mosquitoes in your home or business then get in contact with the experts at Western Exterminator today.