They're resilient little suckers.

Mosquitoes. At least 63 species call Georgia home, with nearly 20 causing itchy irritation in the Atlanta area, experts say.

Centers for Disease Control (ENLARGE)

Floodwater mosquitoes feed mostly on humans and are active at night.

Centers for Disease Control (ENLARGE)

Southern House mosquitoes feed at night on birds, animals and humans.

Centers for Disease Control (ENLARGE)

Treehole mosquitoes feed on everything, but they like humans best.

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Each species has its own lifestyle. Some breed in trees, others in water. Many hide in bushes and near entrances to homes. Some feed in morning and dusk, while others prefer a late lunch. And regardless of their hapless host humans, birds, animals or reptiles, mosquitoes, specifically the females, have one thing in common — a taste for blood.

The threat of contracting West Nile Virus from mosquito bites remains, with transmission peaking from August through October, said Elmer Gray, public health extension specialist at the University of Georgia. Last year, 52 people were infected with the virus and one died in Georgia, according to Gray and the Georgia Division of Public Health.

Americans combat the winged tormentors with all manner of repellents —sprays, candles, zappers, mists, and more.

"There isn't any silver bullet out there for this kind of thing," said Joe Conlon, technical adviser of the American Mosquito Control Association.

Not all repellents are created equal. With June 22 through 28 named National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, we asked Conlon and Gray to share their recommendations for the best and worst ways to keep mosquitoes at bay.

First things first

• Remove standing water where species like the Asian Tiger Mosquito breed; check clogged gutters, flowerpot saucers, watering cans, old tires and boat tarps, and replace birdbath water every couple of days.

• Check screens over doors and windows for damage; mosquitoes enter through the darndest places.

• If possible, find the vent entrance on your roof to your bathroom fan and cover with screen; mosquitoes often enter homes through this entrance, Conlon said.

• Keep vegetation trimmed to reduce areas where some species like to hide and breed.

• Wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothing. (Dark clothes attract mosquitoes.)

• If relaxing on your deck or porch, try a simple fan to keep mosquitoes from buzzing your way.

Two thumbs up

• DEET: The gold standard of mosquito repellents. A 25-30 percent formulation is ideal for four to six hours of coverage; give a child no more than 10 percent of DEET in one application, and do not use on infants. Be sure to read the label before applying this or other repellents. (Brand names include: OFF!, 3M Ultrathon, Cutter Backwoods Wipes.)

• Picaridin: Not as effective as DEET, but works well. (Brand names include: Cutter Advanced Sports.)

• Oil of lemon eucalyptus: A 40 percent concentration is best for this botanical, Conlon said, but don't use on children younger than six. (Brand name: Repel Lemon Eucalyptus or OFF! Botanicals.)

• IR 3535, (Brand name: BullFrog.)

• Larvicides, which use the active ingredient Bti for areas of perpetual standing water, like A/C drips. Bti kills only mosquito larvae. (Brand name: Mosquito Dunks.)

Can't hurt

• Oil of citronella

• Traps—Traps do capture mosquitoes, but homeowners would need to install several in order to make a major impact in their yard, Conlon said.

Save your money

• Garlic, Listerine mouthwash, dryer sheets, or vitamin B-1

• Zappers that use light or carbon dioxide to trap mosquitoes.

• Ultrasonic repellers

• Misting systems: Conlon categorically gave a thumbs down to misting systems, which deliver an automated dose of pesticides to your lawn. He explained that misting systems are not in accordance with the practice of integrated pest management, which advises you develop a pest control program based on surveillance. In other words, one shouldn't systematically spray without need. Misting systems also kill more than just mosquitoes, and can wipe out populations of beneficial insects. Gray said he understands their use in heavily infested coastal areas, but said misting systems are not typically required in the Atlanta area.

TOP FIVE MOSQUITO PESTS (IN METRO ATLANTA)

1. Asian Tiger Mosquito — Feeds on humans, animals and birds; breeds in artificial containers and tree holes; most active during hours of sunlight; hides in shrubs, especially English ivy. (Gray advises treating shrubs with bifenthrin every few weeks.)

2. Southern House Mosquito — Feeds on birds, animals and humans; breeds in storm drains and polluted water; active at night.

3. Floodwater Mosquito — Feeds primarily on humans, breeds during periods of rain and in standing water; active during twilight and at night.

4. Treehole Mosquito — Feeds on everything, primarily humans; breeds in trees and containers; active in twilight.

5. Asian Bush Mosquito — Feeds on humans and birds; breeds in standing water such as tires or abandoned pools; active during the day; researchers believe this species has the potential to be a disease transmitter, though the jury is out.

Source: Elmer Gray, public health extension specialist at the University of Georgia