Mosquitoes sure know how to rain on a parade. They seem to always be flying about, ready to suck the blood of humans and leave itchy welts. It puts a damper on outdoor activities and events. No one in Richardson wants to be covered in red bumps or constantly scratching at themselves like a dog. Beyond that, no one wants to contract an illness, especially a deadly one. Since mosquitoes go from person to person and animal to animal absorbing blood, they spread diseases along the way. Commonly transmitted are encephalitis, West Nile virus, and the Zika virus. Due to this, mosquitoes are considered one of the most dangerous animals on the planet.
What people may not know is that there are specific things that can make one more attractive to a mosquito. Find out what these aspects are, as well as how to prevent mosquitoes, and how All-Safe Pest & Termite can help you out.
What Can Make Mosquitoes Attracted To You?
Of course, having flesh and blood is what draws female mosquitoes to humans. The fluid supports egg development. Males often don’t bother with us, because they can survive on nectar and water. We have a host of chemicals and secretions that these pests can detect. Therefore, individuals with higher concentrations of these natural products are more likely to be targeted. For instance, we release substances that indicate our blood type. There’s research to suggest that mosquitoes fancy Type O blood. Increases in our body temperature can pull us in. Our sweat contains appealing acids and ammonia. Alcohol content is enticing to them, as are the hormones and blood of pregnant women. Should these women be infected with the Zika virus, it could result in birth defects.
What Else Attracts Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes sense these body secretions, but they also use sight to find their prey. Dark colors make this easier, so wearing shades such as black or blue can put you on their radar. Their peak activity period is at dusk, so be on the lookout as the sun goes down.
Homes and businesses close to standing water will confront mosquitoes the most because that’s where they breed. They typically enter homes through open doors and windows. Their hiding places include:
- Laundry rooms
- Sinks and tubs
- Closets
- Dark and low-traffic spaces
How Can You Prevent Mosquitoes?
You might not be able to avoid sweating or having a certain blood type or hormone, but there are ways to fend off mosquitoes. Methods will involve a mix of landscaping and using bug products:
- Spray an applicable pesticide around the perimeter of your property and on your lawn
- Light candles with essential oils that repel mosquitoes, like clove, peppermint, and rosemary
- Use mosquito traps and clean them regularly
- Reduce standing water by frequently drying pet water bowls, pools, and bird feeders
- Groom plants, flowers, and shrubs, and keep them distanced from your home
- Remove debris from your yard and gutters
What Can All-Safe Pest & Termite Do About Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes don’t go down without a fight. Insecticides from stores usually aren’t strong enough and only provide a temporary fix. Candles generate warmth and carbon monoxide that these annoying critters love. All-Safe Pest & Termite has what’s needed to guarantee their death and destruction. Our powerful, but safe fogging treatments saturate their breeding grounds. As they take in the haze, they’ll buzz off or be killed. It will all happen with a quickness, too. Before we leave, we’ll tell you about things you can do to make your property less inviting to mosquitoes in the future.
We offer continued prevention and monitoring services, and one-time visits for outdoor festivities. Protect your fun! Protect your employees! Protect your family! Call us today for a free estimate!