The Most Deadly Animal on Earth Is Buzzing Around Indiana This Summer

The most deadly animal in the world can be found all across Indiana. Here's what you need to know!

You Could Encounter the Deadliest Animal in the World This Summer

As we approach Memorial Day Weekend, and the unofficial start to summer, many of us will begin spending more time outdoors. Whether it's a family cookout on the back deck, a hike on a nearby trail, or a weekend camping excursion, you are likely to encounter the most deadly animal on the planet.

750,000 Humans are Killed Each Year by the World's Deadliest Animal

While the most deadly animal on the planet is not your typical predator, like a shark or a bear, it kills more humans than any other creature on earth. For comparison, snakes kill approximately 138,000 humans a year. Meanwhile, the deadliest animal on Earth accounts for roughly 750,000 people annually.

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What Is the Most Deadly Animal in the World?

So what is this dangerously deadly beast? The mosquito. Despite being just a tiny flying pest, mosquitoes carry diseases that claim the lives of 750,000 people around the globe each and every year, according to the BBC. Keep reading to find out more about 11 different diseases mosquitoes can carry in the United States.

When Is Mosquito Season in Indiana?

Mosquito season in Indiana runs from May 1st through October 1st, according to the Indiana State Government Website. Your best course of action to keep yourself and your family safe is prevention.

Prevent Mosquitoes in Your Yard

Prevention will go a long way to protect you and your loved ones from mosquitoes and keep everyone healthy. Clean clogged gutters to keep water from accumulating. Throw away any flower pots or buckets that may be holding water. They say you should eliminate any and all standing water around your home.

READ MORE: These Plants Help Keep Pests Out of Your Yard

What Attracts Mosquitoes to You

In addition to knowing how to prevent them, you should also know what attracts them. It's recommended that you avoid dark or black clothing. Because mosquitoes have poor eyesight, they can mistake your dark clothes for a shadowy place to hide. It's also advised that you avoid floral-scented perfumes, lotions, soaps, and hair products as these are believed to attract mosquitoes.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away

There are a number of chemical repellants available on the market to help keep your yard mosquito-free, and prevent you from being victim to their itchy bites. These include products made with DEET,  picaridin, IR3535, and permethrin. Citronella is also frequently used in candles and torches to repel mosquitoes.

Why You Should Worry About Mosquito Bites

Whatever you decide to use to repel mosquitoes is up to you, but keep scrolling to find 11 reasons why you want to keep them away.