You have all heard of Zika, a virus that has migrated from South America to other parts of the world, including Europe. Only a few people have been infected at the moment by some mosquitoes carrying the disease.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousYou have all heard of Zika, a virus that has migrated from South America to other parts of the world, including Europe. Only a few people who have been bitten by some have been infected at the moment mosquitoes that carry the disease.
These insects are particularly smart and also act during the day, but if you know their characteristics and habits it is possible to better keep them under control and defend themselves. These are in particular mosquitoes Aedes aegypti, africana species which is currently considered the primary vector of the Zika virus in the world.
Read also: THE ZIKA VIRUS ARRIVES IN EUROPE: WHAT IT IS, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
The virus can actually also be transmitted by another species of mosquito, Aedes albopictus, native to Asia but slowly migrated from the tropical climate to temperate areas around the world. The concern about the spread of Zika affects pregnant women and newborn babies in particular. The virus, in fact, in itself not dangerous for adults, can instead bring serious consequences to developing fetuses.
How can we defend ourselves? Here you are 15 things you need to know about these two mosquito species:
Index
Mosquito Map
The two mosquitoes find climates favorable to their spread in some areas of the world rather than others, different depending on whether we are talking about Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus. The first photo shows the worldwide distribution of mosquitoes of the Aedes aegypti species. The colors indicating the probability that the insect has to take root in the different nations with a score that can be 0 or 1. The second instead depicts the situation of the albopictus.
Probability of spread of Aedes aegypti in the world (Gallery:. Kraemer et al./eLIFE)
Probability of Aedes albopictus worldwide spread (Photo:. Kraemer, et al./eLIFE) The aegypti probably is adapted to coexist with man already in ancient times, it then used the trade routes to reach Europe and also appeared in the Americas several centuries ago, probably thanks to European explorers and colonizers. Me too'albopictus it is now widespread in many parts of the world but this has happened more recently. Native to Southeast Asia, it was first reported in America in the mid-80s and soon after in Europe and Africa. It can tolerate lower temperatures of Aegypti and therefore has an advantage in some parts of the world.
Aedes aegypti from Albopictus with a similar tone
La Aedes aegypti (on the left) from l'Aedes albopictus (on the left) they are difficult to distinguish at first glance since they have only slight differences on the back. One of the few ways to tell them apart is to look good at the upper back: the Aegypti back has a silvery lyre-shaped design while the albopictus has a single, longitudinal, silver-colored dorsal stripe.
(Photo: CDC)
The differences are much greater in terms of preferred habitat, habits and way of hunting. Albopictus lives more outdoors, lays eggs in places such as tree holes or cupped leaves and prefers forests, farms, parks, or large yards over denser urban areas. It stings humans as well as other animals (which it seems to prefer). The Aedes aegypti has adapted to people living in urban environments, has therefore evolved in such a way as to favor human habitats and therefore their blood rather than that of other mammals or birds.
The Aegypti is very smart
The Aedes aegypti is a very clever mosquito, specializing in biting humans, for this reason attacks in particular from behind especially on the ankles and elbows. It is only female mosquitoes that hunt for blood and lay eggs. Since those who are killed first cannot pass on their genes, this has probably favored the smarter and more crafty ones who have reproduced becoming more and more adept at avoiding our attention. The bite of this mosquito, among other things, is delicate and is often noticeable only once the swelling and itching appear.
The Aegypti drinks blood in gulps and more people
Most mosquito species feed on one blood meal at a time. This does not happen however with l'Egypt and he prefers to feed himself in small sips with the blood of several people. This could be a weapon in her favor to avoid being caught out, in this way she spends less time on each guest reducing the chance of being caught. Precisely due to the fact of feeding several times by choosing different people it is evident that this mosquito exposes more to the risk of spreading Zika or other diseases.
Albopictus is an aggressive but less dangerous mosquito
The Aedes buzzard albopictus is much more aggressive and it can just as well transmit viruses but its own lack of attention towards humans it undoubtedly makes it less dangerous. The fact that she is actually more aggressive for us is an advantage as it improves the likelihood of noticing her presence.
They don't move easily
The species of mosquitoes indicted in the spread of Zika do not move easily but spend their entire life near the place where they were born. For example, it is thought that the Aegypti can fly at most over 400 meters, then invasions into new regions and continents are only possible through the means of transport of human beings. Transoceanic travel is currently helping viruses such as Zika to invade new areas.
Both mosquitoes love water
Both species they look for containers with water to lay their eggs. It is no coincidence that the most common advice to keep mosquitoes away is to get rid of stagnant water. Things are a bit more complicated however with regards to Aedes aegypti and albopictus as they are they reproduce easily in water-carrying vessels, both natural and artificial. After a full blood meal, females produce 100 to 200 eggs for up to 5 times in a lifetime. They lay eggs on moist surfaces in areas which are then bathed by rain or artificial water. Most of the time the eggs are placed at various distances above the waterline and in multiple places. The their eggs, that they look like tiny grains of black rice, they're sticky, they stick to the inside of the containers and when it rains enough or water is poured to fill the container they hatch.
(Photo: CDC Public Health Image Library)
Aegypti prefers human containers
La aegypti especially love gutters and all the other protected and humid places that are around the homes of humans since they prefer our blood rather than that of animals. Even old tires, storage water tanks, manholes and pits of all kinds. They often proliferate in areas with open sewers, drains and water systems as well as moles flower pots, bowls for animals, tarpaulins, grills and all other objects where rainwater can be deposited.
Albopictus prefers trees and plants but adapts
The albopictus species prefers natural places such as tree holes or plants to reproduce. Bromeliad, for example, which retains water in its leaves is a perfect natural habitat for this mosquito. However, since it is an insect full of resources, it can also adapt to human environments as we have already said about the ships that transport water.
Their eggs can grow into adult mosquitoes in 7-10 days
About 3 days after feeding on blood, female mosquitoes of the Aedes aegypti species lay their eggs on the walls of a container which is periodically wetted. As already mentioned the eggs then they hatch in contact with water. If the weather is warm enough, the first phase of transformation into larvae takes place in 3 days and then it takes about another 7 days for the real adult mosquitoes to develop. Even in this case, however, suitable climatic and environmental conditions are required.
If necessary, the eggs can resist even months
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes know how to organize and adapt in every way. For example, they regulate their development speed based on temperature and their eggs can wait a very long time for the necessary water to their complete maturation. They can survive for months inside a container waiting for water. These are very resistant eggs and this their ability pays off obviously the reproduction of mosquitoes difficult to control. The most effective strategy is to regularly look out for any suitable breeding habitats and remove as many potential sites as possible.
Both mosquitoes also bite during the day
We used to have mosquitoes biting only from sunset onwards. These new species instead are very active even during the day, especially at dawn and a couple of hours before sunset but also during the day it is possible to see them hunting.
The Aegypti stings at night in well-lit areas
Outdoor lighting favors hunting of the mosquitoes of the aegypti species, the females are in fact able to bite after sunset in places where they find sufficient light that attracts them.
Insecticides are not the solution to the problem
When there is an invasion of these mosquitoes, insecticides are a tempting weapon and particularly used above all to stem the spread peaks of potential Zika outbreaks (we are obviously talking about places like Brazil and Florida). Even the owners of some houses decide to spray insecticides in the garden to avoid the threat of these insects but often this is not enough and it can also be harmful since sometimes the sprays on the market are broad spectrum epthey can also kill bees, butterflies, fireflies and dragonflies, important predators of both mosquito larvae and adults. So these products, in addition to being harmful, can also prove to be counterproductive. Better ask the natural help of bats (large eaters of larvae and adult mosquitoes), for example by placing special houses in the garden to house them.
Read also: THREE MILLION BEES DEATH FROM THE PESTICIDE USED AGAINST THE ZIKA VIRUS
15. How to defend yourself
It is very important to know how to defend yourself from mosquitoes, the most effective ways also against these new species are mosquito nets and insect repellents as natural as possible (eg essential oils). Also clothing is very importantIt is better to choose long pants and tightly woven long-sleeved shirts so that it is more difficult for mosquitoes to bite. As for the choice of colors, it is better to opt for light ones that are less visible. These insects then hate the wind, a good solution is also that of protect yourself by using an electric fan. Finally, remember to change the water in the bowls of your animals often and not to let that of the saucers stagnate.
Read also: 10 WAYS TO BECOME INVISIBLE FOR MOSQUITOES
