There are nearly 2,500 mosquito species worldwide, of which approximately 150 thrive in various parts of North America. While most species prefer warm weather and all require convenient access to water for reproduction, these small winged insects can survive in even the coldest climates.

Mosquitoes tend to be most bothersome during spring/summer mating season- that is, just when all of us are outdoors the most. Since adult mosquitoes are active mainly at night, the heaviest onslaughts typically occur around dawn, at dusk and into the evening. Bites are less frequent during the day as mosquitoes like to spend their mornings and afternoons roosting in shady, secluded areas.

Mosquito bites are irritating and slightly painful at best, unhealthy and potentially disease-bearing at worst. Some species are known to spread malaria; others carry yellow fever and dengue (or breakbone fever); and still others are responsible for the spread of certain types of encephalitis, including the West Nile virus.