The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science has unveiled a new exhibit that will prepare residents for the inevitable elevated presence of mosquitos and other menacing bugs when temperatures get warmer.
Museum visitors are invited to explore the science behind the pesky bugs’ ability to wreak havoc on humans in the Attack of the Bloodsuckers! exhibit from now until May 12.
Attendees will be educated about the biological wonders of sanguinivores — creatures that eat blood — through encounters with live species and interactive exhibits.
There will also be interactive exhibits in which one will be able to look a real leech in the mouth, pull off his or her socks test bug-appealing foot odor, and receive a hug from a giant inflated tick.
“We’re excited for visitors to learn in a fun way about the science of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, leeches, and other bloodsucking parasites in this skin-crawling exhibition,” Museum Director Charles Knight said.
Attack of the Bloodsuckers! also provides visitors with hints and tips to avoid the bugs that are known to be a nuisance, especially during the summer months.
Simple precautions like keeping your yard free of standing water — where mosquitoes breed — and checking yourself carefully for deer ticks before they can transmit Lyme disease are said to be most beneficial in protecting people.
Folks will be able to learn even more preventative methods at the exhibit.
