Did you know that the world’s deadliest animal is an insect that weighs less than 3 milligrams? That’s right. Mosquitoes beat out sharks, crocodiles, snakes, and every other animal that’s reasonable to have on a “biggest fears” list.
It’s because mosquitoes are not just annoying, but dangerous. They carry diseases that kill over a million people worldwide each year.
These numbers aren’t nearly as high in the US. You’re far more likely to deal with bites and bumps than anything life-threatening, but the bottom line is: you don’t want mosquitoes hanging around.
If you’re dreaming of summer but dreading peak mosquito season, here are some of the things that attract mosquitoes. By finding out what they like, you can make sure you minimize the appeal of your arms, legs, and backyard.
Already seeing a few mosquitoes around your home? Get rid of these pesky pests today!
What Attracts Mosquitoes to People?
Mosquitoes can be attracted to an area, but they can also be attracted to certain people. Here are some of the most common ways mosquitos find you.
Mosquitoes Are Attracted to Certain Clothing
Mosquitoes have no sense of fashion; they just prefer specific color schemes. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark and bold colors like red, black, and navy blue. They have also been known to enjoy a good floral pattern. Tight clothing is also easy to bite through, so if you’re wearing a loose-fitting shirt and pants, they may find you but be unable to do any damage.
Mosquitoes Prefer Certain Smells
If you smell good, mosquitoes will be interested. If you smell bad, well, they like that too. Mosquitoes are drawn to floral-scented soaps, deodorants, lotions, and perfumes. BUT they also like smelly socks and sweaty underarms. It’s a strange spectrum, but your best bet is to try not to smell too good or too bad. It’s hard to beat the summer heat most days, but wearing neutral-scented soaps and lotions can make them less interested.
Mosquitoes Enjoy A Nice Cold Beer
Mosquitoes aren’t interested in the beer itself. They probably don’t actually care if it’s cold or not. Studies have shown that mosquitoes are more interested in someone who’s recently had a beer or two. It’s likely due to the increased body temperature and the increased alcohol content in body sweat.
Mosquitoes Have A Favorite Blood Type
You’d think these bloodsuckers wouldn’t be choosy, but they have preferences for blood types. If you have type O blood, you’re top of the list of a mosquito’s favorite snacks. If you have type A blood, mosquitoes have been known to choose you last, so make sure your friends have a more attractive blood type!
Worries about mosquito season? Stop it before it starts!
What Attracts Mosquitoes to Places?
Even if you’re wearing light-colored clothing, minimal scents, and don’t have type O blood, if mosquitoes are frequenting your backyard, you’re bound to get bit. Here are a few things mosquitoes like to see in their favorite hang-out spots!
Mosquitoes Love Flowers
Some mosquitoes will take a break from blood-sucking for a nice bit of flower nectar. Flowers are a beautiful addition to your landscaping, but they may be catching the eye of a mosquito too.
Mosquitoes Breed in Standing Water
Plants, where water can gather in small pockets, birdbaths, clogged gutters, and left-out tools and buckets, can all be attracting and multiplying your mosquito problem. Removing standing water in your yard is one of the most effective ways to deter mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes Need Shade Too
Tall grass, weeds, and bushes allow mosquitoes protection from that hot summer sunshine. It’s an excellent motivation to mow your lawn or eliminate any unnecessary shrubbery.
Mosquitoes Aren’t Scared of Your Bug Zapper
More recently, people have been using bug zappers to deal with their mosquito problems. These devices attract mosquitoes and then kill them when they get too close. These mosquito zappers are good at luring mosquitoes onto your property, but there’s one problem. They only kill male mosquitoes, and female mosquitoes are the ones that bite. So really, you’re just attracting them.
How To Deal With Mosquitoes In Your Home and Yard
You don’t have to get rid of your flowers or constantly worry about how you smell to get rid of your mosquito problem. You don’t have to stay inside all summer either. Waynes Mosquito Plus uses environmentally-safe mosquito prevention methods to kill mosquitoes to protect your friends and loved ones.
As a bonus, our Mosquito Plus service now includes flea & tick prevention, free of charge! Our goal is to get all the biting bugs out of your way for a season full of backyard barbecues, playing in the sprinklers, and endless hours of outdoor fun.
Get ahead of the summer swarm by getting the best pest prevention services today! Contact us here to get a quote.
