This week, we are highlighting some things that mosquitoes love. Read on to learn some of these insects’ favorite things (and how to avoid being one of them!):
Standing water
Standing water is at the top of the list for a big reason: this is where mosquitoes breed and lay their eggs. In fact, mosquitoes only need about ¼ inches of water to lay their eggs in.
So, how do you avoid an army of mosquitoes in your backyard?
Be sure to get rid of any standing water from items such as toys, tire swings, planters, trash can lids, kids’ pools, and more. If you have birdbaths in your yard, change out the water once a week.
Type O Blood
Have you ever heard someone complain that they are particularly attractive to mosquitoes? Well, it turns out they may be right. According to the results of a study conducted by the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), mosquitoes are more attracted to people with Type O blood than any other type.
The study also showed mosquitoes were attracted to Type A blood less than Type O, but more than other blood types.
While there isn’t anything you can do about your blood type, there are extra precautions you can take, such as making sure to wear insect repellent, to avoid becoming a mosquito’s next meal.
Dark Clothing
Style matters– at least when it comes to avoiding mosquito bites. Mosquitoes rely on their smell and sight to find hosts, and dark colors stand out to them.
So, people dressed in dark colors such as black, navy, or red tend to attract a lot of mosquitoes when they are outside. To make yourself a bit less attractive to these pests, try to wear light-colored clothing when you are active outdoors.
In addition to wearing light-colored clothing, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you are outside for a long period of time can help reduce your chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes. The less exposed skin you have, the less room for mosquitoes to bite.
Sweat
It might sound unpleasant, but mosquitoes are very likely to bite someone if he or she is sweating. According to the NIH, mosquitoes are highly attracted to the scent of human sweat because it contains lactic acid.
If you are working or playing outside, particularly on a hot day, make sure to apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to prevent mosquito bites.
Now that you know a little bit about what mosquitoes love, you can better protect yourself and your family by practicing proper at-home mosquito control. By getting rid of standing water, consistently applying mosquito repellent, and avoiding dark clothing, you can reduce your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes.
While DIY mosquito control is good, the best way to prevent mosquito bites around your home and outdoor space is to hire a local mosquito control company.
At Mosquito Authority, we guarantee you will have a mosquito-free home and you won’t be bothered by these pests in between treatments.
Find your local mosquito control company.