Only female mosquitoes suck blood. Male mosquitoes use their long proboscis to feed on plant nectar. After piercing the skin, the mosquito pumps its own saliva down through a very fine tube into the puncture hole. Fortunately, mosquitoes in the Everglades usually carry no diseases harmful to people. Everglades Indians used black mangrove smudge pots to ward off mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes thrive in most regions of the world.
Difficult as it is to accept, mosquitoes are an important part of the food chain in the Everglades. Tree frogs, lizards, snakes, fish, and birds all feed on mosquitoes. Dragonflies appear like helicopters in a war zone, positioning their long legs like nets to scoop mosquitoes from the air. Even though insect infestations aren't usually as severe during the drier, cooler winter months, one should always be prepared for encounters with bugs, especially mosquitoes. Wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and closed shoes.