TED-Ed: The loathsome, lethal mosquito - Rose Eveleth

Mosquitoes are widely disliked pests due to their buzzing, biting, and disease transmission. They have existed for over a hundred million years, evolving alongside many species, including humans. Mosquitoes are adept at sucking blood, using saliva to numb the skin and proboscis to find blood vessels. Humans spend billions on repellents and pesticides to combat them. Mosquitoes transmit diseases like malaria and dengue, causing millions of deaths annually. While eradicating mosquitoes could reduce disease, it might disrupt ecosystems, as they serve as food for other species and pollinators. The impact of their removal is uncertain.

What are some of the reasons people detest mosquitoes?

How do mosquitoes cause itchy, red bumps on the skin?

What impact do mosquito-borne diseases have on humans and animals?

Why is it complicated to eliminate mosquitoes from the ecosystem?

What are the potential consequences of eradicating mosquitoes?