Why Mosquitoes Suck
Complain about its southern states’ humidity, sweltering heat, or somewhat unique mini-creatures, and a southerner might passionately counter with the charms of magnolias in full bloom, the courtesy of manners, or the irresistible notes of a blues guitar on a serene porch evening. However, following root canals and the IRS, mosquitos often challenge that southern charm and hospitality, audaciously vying for the top spot on Southerners’ defense rant. As we delve into why mosquitos ‘suck’, pun intended, please sit back, arm yourself with insect repellent, and comb through the offerings of this article at the safe distance of your private reading comfort zone.
Is it not ironic that such tiny creatures can evoke profound frustration and consternation? Mosquito, Spanish for ‘little fly’, is dubiously recognized more for its blood-sucking females rather than its nectar-feeding males. For southerners, these insects are not just petty annoyances. They are uninvited foes that attack while you are enjoying a picnic at the park, viewing a mesmerizing sunset, or is a starry gaze by the porch.
It’s interesting, and somewhat annoying, that mosquitoes landed their ‘number one’ status when they have 113 competitors striving for the title of ‘insect pest.’ That’s right; there are 113 types of mosquitoes striving, somewhat successfully, to ruin our tranquility.
Female mosquitoes employ a six-needle mouth-part to pierce human skin, searching for blood vessels with ruthless precision. The insect is not driven by a sadistic intent, as aggravating as it might appear. Rather, the female mosquito needs our proteins to develop its eggs. It’s nature’s survival path, no matter how much it inconveniences us.
One constant thorn in southern folks’ sides is that mosquitoes are unrelenting residents, thanks to the region’s hot, humid climate that constitutes an ideal breeding ground. With plenty of stagnant water from heavy rainfall, rain-filled containers, or puddles in drainage ditches and old tires, mosquitoes lay their eggs and ruthlessly proliferate.
Nuisances aside, mosquitoes are serious business. They transmit diseases that threaten southern communities and even globally. West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever, and Zika Virus are common mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., instigating a public health concern that calls for diligent and prompt action.
Thus, local governments across the South have launched mosquito surveillance programs to counter these parasitic pests’ spread. Insect repellent distribution programs, public awareness campaigns on preventing stagnant water, and professional pest control resources are typical measures to combat the mosquito invasion.
For the everyday southern resident, the fight against mosquitoes continues in less sophisticated, but practical approaches. Citronella candles, bug zappers, and DEET-loaded sprays find space amidst barbeque equipment, porch furniture, and garden tools. Meanwhile, natural predator species like bats and birds are encouraged for eco-friendly insect pest control.
Programs and DIY measures aimed at battling these insects push us to ask if mosquitoes bear any benefits. Well, these vile critters play a vital role in the ecosystem. They are food for numerous species and even assist in plant pollination. Yet, their indispensable biological roles are a feeble consolation for a human itching from a nasty red bump.
Ultimately, why mosquitoes ‘suck’ is that they disrupt homely southern comfort, impede outdoor activities, threaten public health, and transform enjoyable porch times into annoying swat sessions. However, understanding their behavior, life cycle, and the risks they pose better equips us in the perennial battle against these pesky bloodsuckers.
Confronted with the everyday menace of mosquitoes, southerners demonstrate resilience, persistently reclaiming their tranquility disrupted by these uninvited guests. Yes, mosquitoes ‘suck’, and while it might not totally eradicate our frustrations or itchy bumps, knowing why they act the way they do contributes to a more insightful approach in our collective tussle against these notorious invaders.
The South’s paradox is an exquisite blend of charm and challenge. Mosquitoes are, unquestionably, the latter. So, as we dust off our garden chairs for the evening bourbon or sweet tea, watching the horizon paint itself in hues of a waning day, we know that despite these tiny intruders, our spirit to savor the true essence of our southern lifestyle remains perennially victorious.
Robbie Perdue
is a native North Carolinian who enjoys cooking, butchery, and is passionate about all things BBQ. He straddles two worlds as an IT professional and a farmer who loves heritage livestock and heirloom vegetables. His perfect day would be hunting deer, dove, or ducks then babysitting his smoker while watching the sunset over the blackwater of Lake Waccamaw.
