If you have never been bitten by a mosquito – you are surely one of the lucky ones.

This is especially true amid this summer’s heat wave for many parts of the country.

Mosquito bites are usually just itchy and annoying, but they can lead to something worse.

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Mosquitoes can spread pathogens, or germs, through their bites, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes on its website.

Someone who is bitten by a mosquito and becomes ill may have a mosquito-borne disease, such as West Nile virus, dengue or malaria. (Some mosquitoes bite but do not spread germs.)

“Recent high temperatures and standing water create an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed,” said one health worker.
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“Longer days and summer weather lead to more people outside when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk,” noted Marshall Lipps, Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) environmental health specialist, as Fox 31 reported.

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“Recent high temperatures and standing water create an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed,” he also said.

The West Nile virus has been detected in mosquito traps in cities across Boulder County, according to Boulder County Public Health, as Fox 31 in Denver also reported.

Mosquito traps in unincorporated Boulder County, Longmont, Erie and Superior have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to BCPH.

Be sure to drain any standing water outside your home.

The same health agency shared the four “D’s” tips for mosquito bite prevention this summer.

1. Defend: Use deet-enhanced insect repellent or alternatives to keep mosquitoes away.

2. Dress: Put on long sleeves and pants (as warm as it can be!).

Most people do not develop illness, or have only mild illness from West Nile virus – although some rare, severe cases can be fatal.
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3. Dusk to dawn: Avoid the outdoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

4. Drain: Be sure to drain any standing water outside your home.

Not all mosquitoes bite – and other key facts

More than 3,500 types of mosquitoes are found around the world, says the CDC.

Not all mosquitoes will bite people or animals.

But when these insects do bite humans, the most common reactions are itching and swelling at the site.

Mosquitoes can bite during the day as well as at night.
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The CDC shared the following key facts about the insect on its website.

Adult mosquitoes live both indoors and outdoors.

Mosquitoes can bite day and night.

Adult mosquitoes live for about 2-4 weeks, depending on the species, humidity, temperature and other factors. (Female mosquitoes often live longer than male mosquitoes.)

Mosquitoes become infected with germs, such as viruses and parasites, when they bite infected people and animals.

Only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals to get a blood meal. (Female mosquitoes need a blood meal to produce eggs.)

Mosquitoes become infected with germs, such as viruses and parasites, when they bite infected people and animals.

A young man is shown spraying mosquito repellent in the forest.
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Just a few infected mosquitoes can start an outbreak in a community – and put people at risk of getting sick.

Corrections outside the home

To control the population of mosquitoes outside your home, the CDC recommends a variety of steps.

Because mosquitoes lay eggs near water bodies, the CDC recommends that people empty and scrub, turn, cover, or dispose of any items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or garbage cans, at least once per week.

Close water storage containers (buckets, bowls, rain barrels) tightly so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay their eggs.

Also cover water storage containers (buckets, bowls, rain barrels) tightly so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay their eggs.

For containers without lids, use mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito, the CDC also recommends.

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Fill tree holes to prevent water from filling them.

If you have a septic tank, repair any cracks or gaps.

Also cover open vents or plumbing pipes. Use mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.

Corrections inside the house

To keep mosquitoes out of the house, the CDC suggests three key tips.

Install or repair and use window and door screens.

Close doors, including garage doors. Do not leave doors propped open.

Use air conditioning when possible.

An Anopheles stephensi mosquito gets a blood meal from a human host in this handout photo obtained by Reuters on Nov. 23, 2015.
(REUTERS/Jim Gathany/CDC/Handout via Reuters)

The fact is that mosquitoes tend to rest in dark, moist places like under sinks, in showers, in closets, under furniture or even in the laundry room, the CDC points out.

Taking care of your home and family includes emptying, scrubbing and throwing out any items that can hold water (such as vases and flower pots), as they can contain mosquito eggs and larvae; and use an indoor insecticide if you still have mosquitoes in your home (always follow label directions).

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You can also hire a pest control professional to treat areas of the home.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) can also be used to keep mosquitoes away.

The CDC offers much more advice on mosquito control and bite prevention on its website.