What Attracts Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are attracted to certain areas and, unfortunately, certain types of people. When looking for a suitable area for their breeding grounds, mosquitoes commonly go for areas with stagnant water: ponds, marches, playsets, and anything else that harbors water.
It is still a mystery why some people tend to be more attractive to mosquitoes than others, but a number of factors are known to come into play. When feeding, mosquitoes are attracted to your blood, your breath, your scent, and even your blood type!
What Are Mosquitoes Attracted to in My Yard?
Any source of standing water is fair game for mosquitoes. In the spring and summer in Knoxville, mosquitoes will be drawn to a number of areas in your yard. Most commonly, mosquitoes can be found near bird baths, gardens, ponds, playsets, gutters, pools, spas, and more. If they are able to locate standing water, they will happily use it to lay their eggs within. Mosquitoes are especially abundant in the warmer parts of the year, which is when you may see an increase in their activity in your yard.
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What Makes Someone a Mosquito Magnet?
Chances are, you or someone you know is especially prone to being bitten by mosquitoes in the summer. But why do these pests tend to go after certain individuals more than others? The three factors that likely influence mosquitoes are:
- Your breath. Female mosquitoes possess long antennae and organs that are able to sense odor. These parts are attuned to carbon dioxide, which is produced when someone exhales. A high concentration of carbon dioxide can be detected by mosquitoes more than 150 feet away. This accounts for the initial attraction to humans nearby.
- Your blood. We all possess the one thing mosquitoes need to survive: blood! Mosquitoes use their piercing proboscis to pierce our skin and suck the blood up. But are mosquitoes more attracted to people based on blood type? Researchers have demonstrated that, yes, individuals with Type O blood may be more susceptible to bites than those with Type A. In addition, scientists have concluded that genetic make-up can account for many of the factors that make someone more prone to mosquito bites.
- Your scent. Research has shown that mosquitoes are more attracted to certain scents. Substances like uric acid, lactic acid, and ammonia released from the glands in your skin can attract mosquitoes. Those that have a higher body temperature or perspire more often are attractive to mosquitoes. Even floral fragrances and perfumes worn can be attractive to these insects.
Mosquito Attractants in Knoxville
If you are dealing with mosquito bites or mosquitoes in your yard all summer, you’re likely left thinking, “why me?”. It can be frustrating to deal with these pests, making it important to get professional help. Always contact a mosquito exterminator for help making your yard less attractive to mosquitoes before mosquito season each year.
What Attracts Mosquitoes? in Knoxville TN
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