Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite? While most people would rather find a way to obliterate them rather than learn about them, finding out all you can about mosquitoes will help you to stay protected. Sadly, there is no way to rid these pests from the earth, though you can keep them away from your skin with the proper repellent.

While many people simply swat, bat, and zap their way to a mosquito free space, these little annoyances do far more than irritate you while you are trying to sleep. Mosquitoes are killers – this is a fact. Not only do they kill millions of people throughout Africa, Asia and Central and South America -- they also kill people within the United States. You may know that mosquitoes in other parts of the world carry parasites and viruses, but did you know that these bugs are bound for a neighborhood near you sometime very soon?

The fact is that our world is rapidly changing. Urban crowding, global warming, mosquito resistance to many insecticides, and diminishing public health will all play a starring role in the return of the malaria carrying mosquito. Return? That’s right – malaria was once responsible for numerous deaths within the United States and Europe. Most scientists agree that these mosquitoes will return to North America with a vengeance. If you are feeling skeptical, consider this: West Nile, Chikungunya, and Dengue Fever have all popped up within the United States over the past few years.

So, what’s a person to do? Since the mosquito exists through biting other creatures and carrying their blood around, it is best to avoid these insects at all costs. However, nobody wants to live indoors during those summer months, so keep yourself adequately covered up instead. Also, it is imperative that you wear a proven mosquito repellant every time you step outside of your door.

Now, most people think that they do not need to wear any type of repellant unless they are going camping or heading out into the country, but remember that urban crowding problem mentioned above? Well, believe it or not, mosquitoes are beginning to realize that there is food in numbers. In short, you are far more likely to be bitten inside of a crowded city park than in the country during peak season. Play on the side of caution when it comes to mosquitoes and wear that repellant every day.

John Grimes is with AllTerrainco.com - makers of natural insect repellent for mosquitoes that works and won't ruin your gear.