Culex species
Color: Brownish gray or yellowish.
Size: 4-10mm
Diet: Females suck blood. Males feed on plant juices.
Habitat: Worldwide.
They are active at night. Females need blood to produce eggs. Body heat and sweat attract them to humans. They feed on the surface areas of blood vessels. They lay their eggs in puddles, gutters, inside tires, etc. They can lay hundreds of eggs. They usually lay them on the surface of the water.
During the day they stay in quiet and undisturbed areas. They do not have strong flight characteristics and usually fly short distances.
Females send sound and odor signals to mate. They are most active at temperatures between 20-30°C. They like areas with high humidity. They hibernate. They are usually attracted to light and tend to move towards lamps.
It only bites females. It uses its proboscis to pierce the skin.
Symptoms of a bite include redness, swelling and itching. Some individuals may also experience a burning sensation.
West Nile Virus: Fever, body aches and neurological symptoms
Lymphatic Filiriasis Swelling of the limbs
Japanese Encephalitis Inflammation of the brain.
Avoid scratching the bite site. Creams that reduce swelling and itching can be used. Cold treatment can be applied to relieve discomfort in the area.
Insect repellents such as DEET, picaridin, lemon oil, etc. can be used to prevent mosquitoes. They are most active at sunset and sunrise. Wearing long sleeves and pants can be a precaution.
It is necessary to remove stagnant water in the environment where you live. It is necessary to keep areas such as under flower pots, empty buckets, empty tires, gutters, etc. dry. Putting mosquito nets over beds in areas of intense activity provides physical protection.