# What is a Mosquito?

By [Mickl1-1](https://paragraph.com/@moska) · 2023-12-05

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Mosquitoes are common, flying insects that live in most parts of the world. Over 3,700 types of mosquitoes can be found worldwide.

Not all mosquitoes bite people or animals. When mosquitoes bite people, the most common reactions to the bite are itching and swelling.

Some mosquitoes can be vectors. A vector is an animal, insect, or tick that spreads pathogens (germs) to people and animals. The germs (viruses and parasites) that mosquitoes spread can make you sick.

Some mosquitoes bite, but do not spread germs. These types of mosquitoes are called nuisance mosquitoes.

### **Facts About Mosquitoes**

*   Adult mosquitoes live indoors and outdoors.
    
*   Mosquitoes can bite day and night.
    
*   Adult mosquitoes live for about 2 to 4 weeks depending on the species, humidity, temperature, and other factors. Female mosquitoes often live longer than male mosquitoes.
    
*   Only female mosquitoes bite people and animals to get a blood meal. Female mosquitoes need a blood meal to produce eggs.
    
*   Mosquitoes get infected with germs, such as viruses and parasites, when they bite infected people and animals.
    
*   It takes just a few infected mosquitoes to start an outbreak in a community and put you and your family at risk of becoming sick.

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*Originally published on [Mickl1-1](https://paragraph.com/@moska/what-is-a-mosquito)*