What Attracts Mosquitoes?

In Suffolk County & Nassau County, encountering mosquitoes is an inevitable part of summer life for residents. While it’s hard to miss mosquitoes flying around, especially at night, the truth is not everyone seems to be affected by their presence. 

Mosquitoes are generally pretty opportunistic creatures, but several studies over the years have concluded that they sometimes prefer biting some people over others. If you feel like you’re a mosquito magnet, you’re probably right.

Learn what attracts mosquitoes most so you can help prevent getting eaten alive if you step into your backyard at night. 

What Attracts Mosquitoes to You?

There is always someone who is a mosquito magnet! Generally female mosquitoes find you by detecting the carbon dioxide levels in the air. You generate carbon dioxide every time you breathe. But, there are other factors to consider…Are You a Mosquito Magnet?

Exercise buffs are more likely to attract mosquitoes than couch potatoes because exercise increases the signals that attract mosquitoes to us. These signals include body temperature, carbon dioxide in the breath, and certain skin chemicals, such as lactic acid.  Even just heavy breathing can signal those pesky mosquitoes that you are in the area.

Blood Type

Blood is a vital nutrient for mosquitoes, as its proteins are essential for mosquito reproduction and metabolic energy. Several studies suggest mosquitoes may actually prefer certain blood types when they’re having a snack.

According to studies, mosquitoes landed on people with Type O blood almost twice as often as people with Type A blood. People with Type B blood fell somewhere in between the two. The study also found that about 85% of people secrete a chemical signal through their skin that indicates their blood type and that mosquitoes tend to gravitate toward that group of people, regardless of blood type.

Do you have Type O blood and feel like mosquitoes like you a little too much? Well, not only are you a universal donor, but your blood may also be a factor in why you attract mosquitoes!

Scents

There are certain chemical compounds present on human skin and in sweat that produce the body odor which attracts mosquitoes. In particular, mosquitoes tend to be drawn to lactic acid and ammonia. 

Your body odor is determined by your genetics, so if you’re related to someone who is a mosquito magnet, you may be more susceptible to their bites, too. Researchers continue to look into the causes of the variations in body odor that make certain individuals more attractive to mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes also like floral scents, so skip that perfume and other flowery scents that might attract these pests. Fabric softeners and other laundry detergents might also contribute to your overall scent.

Bacteria on the Skin

Some research suggests that the particular types and volume of bacteria living on human skin affect how interested mosquitoes are in pursuing us. This may be why mosquitoes are drawn to ankles and feet, since those areas tend to have more bacteria colonies present.

Carbon Dioxide

The exhalation of carbon dioxide is an open invitation as far as mosquitoes are concerned. When mosquitoes smell carbon dioxide being emitted (which they can do from over 150 feet away), that’s when they know to attack. People who exhale more, generally larger individuals, have been shown to attract more mosquitoes than others. Some even suggest this is why adults may be bitten slightly more than children.

Pregnancy

Several studies have found that pregnant people attract roughly twice as many mosquito bites as non-pregnant people, likely because they may emit more carbon dioxide.

Certain Colors

Mosquitoes are very visual creatures, especially later in the afternoon, and their vision is their first tool in searching for humans. According to another study, mosquitoes tend to gravitate toward people dressed in dark colors, like black, navy blue, and red. 

Why Are Mosquitoes in My Yard?

In your yard, mosquitoes are drawn to places like those bird baths (think of them as mini mosquito resorts), lush gardens (where the drinks are on tap), serene ponds (mosquito nirvana), playful sets, saggy gutters, splashy pools, and bubbly spas. 

It’s prime time for mosquito mayhem, especially in spring and summer, when things get humid and toasty. You’ll notice them buzzing with activity and making a beeline for any spot in your yard that makes a great mosquito nursery.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away

While mosquito repellant is never a bad idea, truly preventing mosquitoes starts with eliminating the water sources they need to survive and reproduce. 

Start by clearing your gutters, storm drains, downspouts, and water wells. Check for other areas that often go unnoticed, such as inside children’s toys in the yard, tires, and plant pots, that can contain standing water. Keep your grass and bushes short to prevent water from collecting.

Then call in professional mosquito pest control to keep them away for good!

Treatment Options with Professional Mosquito Control

There’s only so much you can do to stop mosquitoes from being attracted to you or your space. For mosquito protection, Suburban Exterminating offers a number of treatment options. As mosquitoes continue to breed in standing water around your home, professional mosquito management is needed for continued coverage.

Our mosquito control service starts with an inspection of your property to pinpoint mosquito breeding grounds. Next, our licensed technicians will treat your property for mosquitoes every two weeks with our environmentally friendly mosquito spray, which is safe around people and pets. 

Give us a call today, and we’ll get you started with a free service quote.