Have you ever been at barbeque or picnic at dusk with several friends and family members, and the next day you notice that you have mosquito bites all over you but the other people you were with were barely affected? Mosquitoes are small, buzzing, and potentially dangerous creatures that are attracted to humans for a variety of reasons. And certain people happen to draw them in more readily than others.
Some of your mosquito magnetism may be unavoidable (like your blood type!), but other attractions may be related to something you are doing. When you are equipped with the knowledge of what attracts mosquitoes to you, you may have some power to stop them, hoping that they move on to someone else!
What Attracts Mosquitoes?
Human skin contains more than 400 different chemical compounds that mosquitoes may find attractive, and the hundreds of different species of mosquitoes may prefer slightly different people to bite. Some of these preferences may include:
- Breathing. That’s right, anyone who breathes can attract mosquitoes. But those who are breathing more heavily due to being overweight or exercising heavily will be breathing out more carbon dioxide, which attracts the buzzing blood-suckers.
- Pregnancy. Women who are pregnant may be much more attractive to mosquitoes, possibly because they may be breathing more heavily.
- Beer Drinking. It’s somewhat of a mystery as to why, but people who drink beer are much more likely to be the next meal for a mosquito.
- Sweat. If you’ve been exercising, are “hot-blooded” or happen to sweat more than the average person, then you may be more at risk for attraction mosquitoes.
- Dark Clothing. Mosquitoes are drawn in toward heat, which indicates to them that the blood will be closer to the surface. Dark clothing perpetuates heat and can attract critters.
- Blood Type. Although this is hard to test, it is speculated that those with O blood types may seem particularly tasty to certain types of mosquitoes.
- High Metabolism. As previously mentioned, higher body temperatures are attractive to mosquitoes, and your metabolism can directly affect the temperature of your body.
- Scents. If you think that covering up your sweat scent with a fragrance will work, think again. Mosquitoes are drawn to perfumes, colognes, shampoo scents, fabric softener, and even deodorant.
Read More: 5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Mosquitoes
How to Repel Mosquitoes
Here are a few practical tips to repel mosquitoes from your body when you’re out and about, at the park or on your own patio:
- Wear Light Clothing. This is less attractive to mosquitoes and keeps you cooler.
- Shower Before Going Outside. Keep the lactic acid in your sweat from attracting mosquitoes by remaining clean. And don’t forget to use unscented lotions and other hygiene products.
- Stay Calm. The less active you are outside, the less likely mosquitoes are to sense your carbon dioxide and head over to feast on you.
- Employ a Fan on Your Patio. Even just a bit of breeze can keep you cool and keep mosquitoes away. Direct the flow of the fan to the lower part of your body as they often fly closer to the ground when working against the wind.
- Use DEET. One of the most effective mosquito repellents available today, DEET is basically harmless as long as it is used properly.
More Mosquito Control Tips: What Are My Options for Mosquito Control?
Control Mosquitoes Around Your Home
Houston, because of its environment and weather, is a place well loved by mosquitoes. Homes and entire neighborhoods may be infested, especially those who are adjacent to land with standing water. Residential, commercial, and community mosquito control services can provide fogging and misting treatments, allowing for various timing and schedules based upon need. Contact Cypress Creek Pest Control for more information or to schedule service.
