Mosquitoes have the reputation as some of the peskiest annoyances in the summer, but they are also among the deadliest.

“A lot of people are blasé about mosquitoes,” Janis Reed, an entomology correspondent for Mosquito Squad, said. “They’ll smack it on their leg and move on, but it’s important to protect yourself and that doesn’t mean just using a repellent, it’s also important to follow other steps.”

Other steps include using a fan to keep air moving, which will keep mosquitoes off your skin. A medium speed fan is fast enough to keep mosquitoes from flying around you, according to Reed. Using a fan is just one mosquito fact that many people are unfamiliar with. Here are 10 myths and their accompanying truths according to experts with Mosquito Squad.

(Photo/GregMontani)

Myth No.1: Illnesses from mosquitoes aren’t that big of a deal in the United States

Illnesses from mosquito, tick and flea bites have actually tripled in the U.S. over the last 13 years, according to a new report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There were more than 640,000 cases reported between 2004 and 2016. In addition, nine new germs spread by mosquitoes and ticks were discovered during this time in the United States.

Myth No. 2: Every mosquito could bite you

Only female mosquitoes bite humans because they need nutrients in the blood to produce eggs. Male mosquitoes actually only eat plant matter.

Myth No. 3: Alcohol does not affect your attractiveness to a mosquito

Some small, early studies have shown that consuming a few beers can make you a more appealing snack to a thirsty mosquito. One study showed that consuming just 12 ounces of beer makes a person more likely to be bitten by a mosquito.

There is more research to be done on this topic to fully understand whether or not alcohol, and what type of alcohol, effects your attractiveness to a mosquito, according to Reed.

Myth No. 4: Mosquitoes bite people with sweet blood more often than others

The “taste” of one’s blood has nothing to do with if a mosquito bites your skin or not.

Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide from breath, heat from our bodies and the lactic acid that humans secrete.

Studies have shown that people with Type O blood are twice as likely to be bitten by mosquitoes than those with Type A blood, possibly due to a difference in lactic acid secretion, according to Reed. Research has not found a reason for this phenomenon, but has noticed this pattern over recent years.

While lactic acid can make a difference, it is not the only factor in what attracts a mosquito to you. Exercising and exerting yourself outdoors increases your attractiveness, according to Reed. As your body temperature increases, the amount of carbon dioxide you’re expelling also increases, making you more attractive to mosquitoes.

Myth No. 5: Citronella candles will completely protect you

Citronella is an ingredient that works to cover up or mask the chemicals that humans secrete that are attractive to mosquitoes.

According to Reed, the candles are only mildly effective. If a mosquito is close enough to your skin it will sense those chemicals despite if the candle is burning or not. These candles will work to keep mosquitoes away from the area, but have a very limited radius.

Citronella candles are most effective when used in enclosed patios and least effective if the wind is blowing strong.

Myth No. 6: What you wear doesn’t affect your attractiveness to mosquitoes

Researchers have declared that mosquitoes are most attracted to colors that are the most similar to animals that the insects usually prey upon, which are large, dark-colored mammals.

In order to minimize chances on getting bit by a mosquito, Janis recommends wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Mosquitoes are less attracted to light-colored clothing and the loose-fitting clothing will make it more difficult for biting females to reach your skin through the clothing.

Myth No. 7: Being pregnant makes you a mosquito magnet

Researchers think that because pregnant women give off more carbon dioxide, which is attractive to mosquitoes, that pregnant women may be more likely to get bit.

A study published in 2000 stated that pregnant women are at an increased risk for being bitten by a mosquito, but used a small sample as a test. Ultimately, more research is needed to determine whether or not pregnant women actually have a higher risk of being bitten by a mosquito. Regardless, pregnant women should take extra precautions to avoid mosquitoes in order to evade potential mosquito-borne illnesses.

Myth No. 8: A mosquito dies after it bites you

Unlike some bees, a mosquito does not die after interacting with your skin. Some bees will die after stinging you, but mosquitoes typically bite many times. After a female mosquito bites you she will go off to lay eggs and eventually will be back for more nutrients.

Myth No. 9: Mosquitoes are present all over the world

Mosquitoes have been observed in places as far north as the Arctic tundra and Siberia during the short summers, but have never been found in Antarctica.

The species of mosquitoes that carries Zika, the Aedes species, are not typically found at elevations higher than 6,500 feet (2,000 meters). Many places in South America are so high above sea level that the risk of getting Zika is "minimal," according to the CDC. Locations such as Bogotá, Colombia, and Quito, Ecuador, are popular travel destinations where people can escape these mosquitoes.