We all have that one person in our lives who says, “The mosquitoes love me!” Maybe, you are that one person. Either way, it’s simply true, mosquitoes do prefer some people over others. From what a person wears to a person’s scent, mosquitoes are either drawn in or repelled. 

Mosquitoes tend to gravitate toward objects that are dark in color that move while lights colored stagnant objects tend to  go unnoticed. 

Outside of that, you can count on your genetics to make or break your connection with mosquitoes. These irritating little suckers use their maxillary palp (an organ with receptors) to sense carbon dioxide from as far away as 150 feet away. People who are overweight or a woman who is pregnant may attract more mosquitoes because they have a higher metabolic rate, which means more carbon dioxide output. Activities like exercise, can give them the same output. 

Outside of CO2, the body emits 400 other compounds and many of those mosquitoes can sense. Excess lactic acid, uric acid or ammonia are very attractive to them, you might as well just be a walking appetizer.  An uber attractor for these little pests is sweat. Some reports also show that alcohol may be an attractive aroma for them as well.  Another report shows that different species of mosquitoes are attracted to different parts of the body. Skin bacteria is the culprit here, from the head to the shoulders (higher CO2 concentration) to the legs and feet (lower CO2 concentration). A particular species even likes the scent of dirty socks.

With 175 species of mosquitoes in the United States alone, chances are high that you are going to attract one or a dozen. Outings or even sitting on your back porch allows the perfect opportunity for these little guys to snack. The best way to self protect from them is to use repellent and wear light clothing. You can also choose to stay inside at dawn and dusk since that is their most active time. 

Tips to keep mosquitoes at bay:

• Install mosquito netting or traps
• Use citronella candles or other repellents
• Empty any areas that have freestanding water, as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes
• When being outdoors at dawn or dusk, always wear long sleeves and pants to help repel them. 
• Learn about mosquito season, mosquitoes are out more from April to October and they breed from July to September. West Nile Virus season is typically late August through early September.  Unless it is freezing outside, chances are high that mosquitoes are flying around. 

Do you have issues with mosquitoes? If so, give us a call and we can help to eliminate them. Wildout Animal and Pest Control does not want you to worry about these little pests that carry diseases. Right now, we are all limited on where we can go for outdoor fun, so don’t let your backyard trap you inside. Just give us a call-844-945-3688