Surprising facts about mosquitoes: They are the most dangerous animals in the world! Mosquitoes kill about two to three million people per year. There are approximately 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world; about 150 of these are found in the United States alone. Various measures are taken each year to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and biting, thus preventing the spread of disease.

Mosquitoes carry and spread many different kinds of diseases including malaria, heartworm, dengue fever, encephalitis and yellow fever. Mosquitoes do not spread AIDS, however. Researchers have found that they digest the virus that causes AIDS, completely destroying any virus particles.

More Facts about Mosquitoes

Only female mosquitoes bite. They need the protein that blood provides in order to nourish and grow their eggs. Female mosquitoes often consume more than their own weight in blood. Male mosquitoes only feed on nectar from plants, not on animals.

Mosquitoes fly at a speed of about one to one and a half miles per hour. Some species remain close to their breeding site, while others will fly up to 10 miles or more looking for a meal. The average life span of female mosquitoes is three to 100 days; male mosquitoes live about 10 to 20 days. For more interesting facts about mosquitoes, visit the American Mosquito Control Association website.