How we source

The short version

Every factual claim on this site, from disease statistics to species ranges to what actually repels mosquitoes, is traced to a real, authoritative source. If we cannot verify a claim, it does not go on the page. Each content page shows its own reference list and a last-reviewed date.

The sources we trust, in order

When sources disagree or vary in quality, we prefer them roughly in this order:

1. Public health and government agencies. The CDC, the EPA, the FDA, WHO, USDA, and state and county health departments. These are the backbone of the disease, surveillance, and pesticide information here.
2. Peer-reviewed research. Studies and reviews indexed in the scientific literature, cited for specific findings.
3. University extension and academic entomology. Programs like university extension services and medical entomology labs, which translate research into regional, practical guidance.
4. Professional and veterinary bodies. Groups such as the American Mosquito Control Association, the American Heartworm Society, and veterinary associations for animal-health topics.
5. Local mosquito and vector control districts. For regional surveillance, control practices, and local context.

What we do when a claim cannot be verified

• If a number or fact appears only on commercial or low-quality pages and cannot be traced to an authoritative source, we leave it out rather than repeat it.
• If sources give different figures, we say so, use the most authoritative one, and note the uncertainty.
• We do not invent statistics, studies, authors, or citations. A specific figure on this site is a figure we found in a real source, not a plausible guess.

Keeping it current

Mosquito science and disease patterns change. Vaccines get approved or withdrawn, invasive species spread, and case counts shift year to year. Pages carry a last-reviewed date, and we update them as the sources change. If you spot something out of date, the Corrections page explains how to tell us.

Last reviewed 20 July 2026.