Have you ever suspected that mosquitoes find you more appetizing than the rest of your friends? Well, it turns out that science has your back! Aside from a lack of pest control measures, several little-known factors contribute to your bite count every year. This article will help you determine what you can do about it and when professionals are needed.
Why Are You More Appealing To Mosquitoes Than Others?
1) It’s In Your Blood
In a 2004 study, mosquitoes landed on people with Type O blood nearly twice as often as those with Type A, while people with Type B blood fell somewhere in the middle. But how do the mosquitoes know your blood type? Fair question.
Well, about eighty-five percent of people secrete a chemical signal through their skin that indicates which blood type they have, while fifteen percent do not. If you’re one of those people with type O blood that emits that chemical signal, you’ll likely naturally require more repellent than the average human.
2) You’re Breathing Deeply
People who emit more carbon dioxide when they breathe, such as pregnant women and larger people, will attract more mosquitoes. A recent study showed that malaria-carrying mosquitoes were attracted to pregnant women twice as much as those not pregnant.
This is likely due to the fact that pregnant women exhale an average of 21% more carbon dioxide and have a body temperature that runs over a degree higher than others. According to the journal Current Biology, mosquitoes will smell a plume of CO2 from up to 164 feet away.
That’s a huge radius around you! Once they get closer, they’ll use a combination of smell, sight, and body heat detection to find their mark. Yikes!
3) You Work Out
In addition to carbon dioxide, mosquitoes find victims at closer range by smelling the lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia, and other substances expelled from their sweat. Additionally, these bugs are attracted to people with higher body temperatures. Because exercise increases the buildup of lactic acid and heat in your body, it likely makes you stand out from the insects. Bring some bug spray to the gym.
4) You’ve Had A Drink
Mosquitoes have a taste for beer! The little pests are proven to like people who drink beer more than their sober counterparts. According to research, just a single 12-ounce beer will make you appear more tasty to these insects. The exact scientific reason hasn’t been nailed down, but many just assume they can smell it leaving your pores. So be careful during those summertime cookouts.
5) The Bacteria On Your Skin
In a 2011 study, scientists found that having large amounts of a few types of bacteria made skin more appealing to mosquitoes. However, having a large number of bacteria appeared to make skin less attractive. This also might be why mosquitoes are especially prone to biting our ankles and feet—they naturally have more robust bacteria colonies!
6) Your Flashy Wardrobe
We’re serious about your wardrobe. Since mosquitoes rely on vision as well as scent to locate humans, wearing darker colors like red or black that stand out against nature could make them float your way during the party instead of your buddy next to you in brown.
Advanced Strategies For Mosquito Prevention
Dealing with mosquitoes requires a multi-faceted approach. Beyond understanding what attracts them, it's crucial to take proactive measures to minimize your exposure and prevent bites. This list will help prevent you from being the first target for hungry mosquitoes.
1) Environmental Controls Against Mosquitos
Managing your environment can significantly reduce mosquito populations. This involves:
- Eliminating Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly empty pots, gutters, buckets, and any container that can hold water for more than a few days. Be sure to also change the water in bird baths, pet bowls, and wading pools at least once a week.
- Landscaping: Certain plants are known to have mosquito-repellent properties. Planting lavender, marigold, citronella, and lemongrass can help keep your garden mosquito-free. Adding herbs like basil and rosemary to your garden or outdoor living areas can also deter mosquitoes, as these plants emit strong scents that mosquitoes find unappealing.
- Use of Mulch and Ground Cover: Minimize bare ground in your garden by using mulch or ground cover plants. This can reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay eggs, especially in areas where the soil stays damp.
- Drainage Improvement: Ensure your property is properly graded and that ditches or depressions that collect water are filled in or have adequate drainage. This prevents water from pooling and becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Maintain Swimming Pools: Properly chlorinate (or salt, if it’s a saltwater pool) and maintain swimming pools, including covers, to prevent them from becoming mosquito breeding sites. A pool that is well-maintained and has a working pump and filtration system is less likely to attract mosquitoes.
- Introduce Natural Predators: If you have a garden pond, consider introducing fish that eat mosquito larvae, such as goldfish, guppies, or minnows. This natural form of mosquito control can keep your outdoor areas more comfortable.
- Keep Gutters Clean: Clogged gutters can trap water and become hidden breeding sites for mosquitoes. Regularly cleaning your gutters ensures that water can flow freely and doesn’t create a habitat for pests.
By taking these additional steps to manage your environment, you can create a less inviting space for mosquitoes and enjoy your outdoor areas with fewer pests.
2) Personal Protective Measures To Prevent Mosquito Bites
When it comes to personal protection, there are several steps you can take to keep mosquitoes at bay:
- Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves and pants can physically prevent mosquitoes from biting. Lightweight and breathable fabrics are ideal for warm weather.
- Use Repellents Wisely: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective ingredients. Apply repellents according to the product instructions for the best protection.
- Time Your Outdoor Activities: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Planning indoor activities during these times can reduce exposure.
3) Technological Advances In Mosquito Control
Innovation in mosquito control offers new hope for those seeking relief from these pests. Here are some technological solutions:
- Mosquito Traps: Devices that emit carbon dioxide, heat, and moisture can attract and trap mosquitoes, significantly reducing their numbers in your vicinity. These traps mimic human breath and body heat, making them irresistible to mosquitoes.
- Spatial Repellents: These are devices or products that release a repellent into the environment, creating a mosquito-free zone. They can be particularly useful for outdoor gatherings or in spaces where wearing personal repellent isn’t feasible.
- Genetic Modification: Though more controversial and still in the experimental stage, genetic modification holds promise for mosquito control. By releasing genetically modified mosquitoes that either can’t produce offspring or produce offspring that die before reaching maturity, scientists hope to reduce mosquito populations drastically.
- Larvicides and Adulticides: The use of chemicals to target mosquitoes in their larval stage in water bodies or as adults can be highly effective when used responsibly. These are often used by professional pest control services in large-scale operations to control mosquito populations in specific areas.
The Role Of Professional Pest Control Services In Mosquito Prevention
When home remedies and personal precautions are not enough, it may be time to call in the professionals. Pest control experts, like those at The Neuse Termite and Pest Control, have access to more potent treatments and can implement strategies that are beyond the reach of most individuals. They can offer:
- Customized Solutions: After assessing your specific situation, professionals can devise a plan that targets mosquitoes at every stage of their life cycle, ensuring comprehensive control.
- Safe Application of Treatments: Professionals are trained in the safe handling and application of pest control substances, minimizing risks to humans and non-target species.
- Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Pest control is not always a one-and-done deal. Professionals can provide ongoing support, reapplying treatments as necessary and adjusting strategies to deal with changing conditions or new mosquito threats.
Reach Out To The Neuse Termite And Pest Control For Help Against Mosquitos In The Triangle Area
Don’t let mosquitoes take over your outdoor spaces. The Neuse Termite and Pest Control is your partner in creating a mosquito-free environment. We serve the Triangle area with effective, affordable solutions tailored to your needs. Here’s how you can take action today:
- Reach Out for a Consultation: Contact us to discuss your mosquito concerns. We’re here to listen and offer solutions.
- Schedule an Inspection: Let our experts assess your property to identify problem areas and recommend a course of action.
- Enjoy a Bite-Free Season: With our help, you can look forward to enjoying your outdoor spaces without the annoyance of mosquito bites.
If you’ve exhausted all of the above options, The Neuse Termite and Pest Control would love to deal with your mosquito issues to keep your arms and ankles bite-free. We’re equipped with the most effective treatment options in the pest control industry – and will do it for a great price in time for the summer swarms. Reach out to us today for help in your battle against mosquitos!
