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Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by mosquito bites that carry a parasite of the genus Plasmodium, is widely common in tropical and subtropical countries in Asia, South and Central America and the Middle East. Malaria is more prevalent in regions with lots of rainfall and constant high temperatures that supply the perfect conditions for bugs to thrive and multiply.

Malarial attacks start with multiplication of the plasmodium virus in the red blood cells and could have long-lasting and even fatal consequences.

Malaria starts with headaches, fever and chills and could, in later stages, also lead to coma. Malaria has 3 stages, the first stage starting with fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, anemia, hemoglobinuria, retinal injury and fits.

This could happen for 4 to 6 hours every other day, every three days or might happen every four days. As the disease progresses into the second stage, one could experience sensations of heat and dryness, whilst the third stage could result in extreme fatigue and weakness.

It is however worth noting that the first indications happen around 10 to 15 days after the mosquito bite when it multiplies and bursts the red blood cells.

The effects of malaria especially in children may not be overlooked because a bite from this insect can lead to high intracranial pressure that becomes evident as abnormal posture caused by acute brain damage.

Malaria caused by mosquito bites could lead to other serious consequences like cognitive impairment, extensive anaemia and neurological impairment with cerebral malaria. Cerebral malaria could result in retinal whitening that is the foremost distinguishing clinical sign of malaria.

Malaria caused by mosquitoes could in severe cases show up as an enlarged spleen, severe headache, clots of blood in the brain, inflamed liver, low blood sugar and hemoglobinuria which could lead to renal failure.

Other significant side effects caused by this mosquito bite disease might be dehydration, liver or kidney failure and breathing issues caused by fluid in the lungs.

Rupture of the spleen might lead to internal bleeding with the spread of infection leading to inflammation of the meninges, or membranes, that enclose the brain and spinal cord.

The control of malaria begins with the use of mosquito nets, the use of insect repellents and the spraying of insecticides in locations where mosquitoes could reproduce easily.

Home pest control starts with not having water standing around in buckets, tubs and the spraying of insecticides in drains which are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Mosquito repellents might be chemical based or could also be in the form of herbal or biological pest control with the planting of mosquito repellent plants in the surroundings.

It is best to note that one way of pest control lies in protecting oneself from mosquito bites by avoiding going out at dawn and dusk. It pays to have mosquito mesh on all the doors and windows at home. Not wearing dark colors and opting for long sleeved shirts and long trousers would also help.

Pest control includes using repellents like creams, lotions and electronic devices. It is best to kill mosquitoes by spraying insecticides, but this ought to be done some time before entering the room. Last but not least, preventing mosquito bites is the most effective pest control each time.

Owen Jones publishes pieces on several topics, but is currently concerned with Hand Held Insect Killer devices and static units at Electronic Insect Killers.

Mosquitoes, those tiny insects that make us uncomfortable, could also lay us open to malaria, dengue and chikungunya. They live in damp areas and reproduce in water.

The life cycle of this insect begins in tree holes filled with water, tide water pools in salt marshes, sewage effluent ponds, irrigated pastures and rain water ponds.

The four main species of mosquitoes, namely Aedes, Anopheles, Culex, and Culiseta, each have their own unique environmental needs and this helps us to identify a specific species also.

It is a good idea to remember that all mosquitoes have four distinctive phases, namely the egg, larva, pupa and adult stages, in their life cycle. The eggs are laid in water or on damp surfaces and float on them. In addition, species like Culex and Culiseta lay eggs of 100 or more that are found stuck to each other in the fashion of a raft.

However, Anopheles mosquitoes lay their eggs on water and Aedes are known to lay their eggs usually on damp ground. The eggs take two days to hatch and metamorphose into the larval stage.

The mosquito larvae, known popularly as wrigglers or wigglers, live in water for a period of a week or two depending on the warmth of the water. The larvae come regularly to the surface of the water to take in oxygen with the help of siphon tunes.

However, species like the Anopheles have no such body parts and generally breathe by lying flat on the water. It is interesting to note that mosquito larvae shed their skin four times and after the fourth stage they metamorphose into pupae.

Mosquito pupae, popularly known as “tumblers”, live in water for from one to four days depending mostly on the species and temperature. In this stage, known as the resting or non-eating stage in the life cycle, the insect can be observed lying on the surface of water.

In this stage it breathes through its two breathing tubes known as trumpets. This is the important and last stage before the mosquito turns into an adult and begins spreading infection. Once the development is over, the pupa opens and the adult emerges.

Once the adult mosquito is formed, it waits on the surface of the water for its body to dry and harden. After a time, the mosquito is able to spread its wings and fly. It is interesting to note that adult female mosquitoes are more aggressive than the males that feed just on the nectar of flowers.

Aedes female mosquitoes are known for their sore and enduring bites particularly during the daytime and they attack usually humans. The Culex specie is similar to Aedes, However they are known to attack after dusk and have a preference for domestic and wild birds. They transmit encephalitis or sleeping sickness.

Culiseta mosquitoes are somewhat aggressive biters that attack during evening hours and in shade. Anopheles mosquitoes are known for spreading malaria in humans.

Lastly, it is a good idea to know that most female mosquitoes need to feed on an animal before they can produce eggs, with some dying before laying viable eggs.

In addition,some species live near their breeding place while others fly as far as 100 miles from their breeding spot. Male mosquitoes have a shorter life than female mosquitoes.

Owen Jones writes pieces on various subjects, but is currently concerned with Hand Held Insect Killer devices and static units at Electronic Insect Killers.