Ultraviolet bug lights, or ‘zappers’ are relatively ineffective against mosquitoes, who seek light colors, heat, and carbon dioxide, none of which is emitted by zappers. In addition, zappers kill indiscriminately, eliminating insects that are beneficial, as well as those who may feed on mosquitoes.

Yes. Mosquitoes are the most formidable transmitters of disease in the animal kingdom. Several of the most severe diseases (human and other) spread by mosquitoes include malaria, encephalitis, yellow fever, dog heartworm, human elephantiasis, and West Nile virus.

Many factors that determine mosquito-feeding behavior are still not understood. However, these factors seem clear: Female mosquitoes use carbon dioxide as a primary cue to a person’s location. A host-seeking mosquito is guided to its skin by following the carbon dioxide emitted when a host exhales. Once they’ve landed, a number of short-range attractants are used by the mosquito to determine if the host can provide an acceptable blood meal. Folic acid appears to be important in making this determination.

Female mosquitoes require a blood meal for every batch of eggs they produce. Proteins and nutrients from blood are reserved for egg production and consumed only by females. Both sexes instead rely on sugar as their main source of energy. They feed on plant nectar, fruit juices and other plant liquids containing sugar. The sugar is burned as fuel and is replenished on a regular basis.

Drop the tick into alcohol to kill it. Flushing down the toilet will not kill ticks; it’s a sewer theme park ride for them. Do not squish the tick to death with your fingers. Contagious tick-borne diseases are transmitted this way. Instead, drop the tick into a container of alcohol.

Ticks literally bury their heads into the skin to suck fluids. Do not try to squeeze them. Do not heat them with matches, pour alcohol on them, or slather them with petroleum jelly. Instead, for tick removal, slip a pair of tweezers or tick puller as close to the skin as possible, and gently ease the tick out. GRAB BY THE HEAD, where the tick enters the skin, not by the body. Pull gently and do not twist.