Are You a Mosquito Magnet?

Do you think that mosquitoes like you more than other people? Guess what, that idea is not as crazy as it seems. Some people actually smell better to mosquitoes than other people do. There are approximately 3,500 varieties of mosquitoes, and the blood each species prefers varies greatly from human blood to blood found in leeches. Mosquitoes, that evolved to feed on humans, hunt us down by sensing our body heat and the carbon dioxide we exhale. If there is more than one person in the area, the mosquito will select its preferred host based on body odor. Whether your odor is the perfect scent to attract mosquitoes or just average, here are some important precautions to take to reduce the chance of those nasty bites.

Choose the outfit you wear outside wisely. This may sound like a fashion tip, but it is not, it is a tip to keep mosquito bites at bay. Research has shown that white or light colored clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes. Some scientists have suggested darker colors, like black, navy, or red, are colors that mosquito eyes perceive as shades of human skin. Another “fashion tip” of course is the more skin you cover, the less area a mosquito has a chance to bite. That said, we all know that wearing long sleeves, long pants, and a high collar in the middle of a New Jersey summer is not everyone’s idea of a good time.

Clothing is not the only variable in play when trying to keep mosquitoes away. Choosing the right time of day to be outside can make a difference. Typically, mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn. In our area this is true with some exceptions. The Asian Tiger mosquito, also known as Aedes albopictus, which was first detected in New Jersey in 1995, is a day time biter.

Another precaution you can take to thwart mosquitoes is using insect repellent. DEET is considered by most to be the gold standard in insect repellents because it works by covering most of the mosquito’s odor receptors, making them ‘odor blind’. When used according to the product’s instructions, it is considered safe for both adults and children. However, it is important to note, that DEET is a chemical that can be deadly if ingested. If you don’t want to use DEET there are other repellent options including lemon eucalyptus oil or citronella. It is important to note that repellents interact with your body odor differently, so it’s worth experimenting with different products to find the one that works best for you.  

You might not want to put on repellent every time you go into your yard (since let’s face it, your yard really is an extension of your home in the summer months) so taking steps to make your yard less hospitable is important. If there are less mosquitos in your yard, you are less likely to be bitten. Make sure there is no standing water in your yard. Water likes to pool in places like plant saucers and toys left outdoors, be sure to dump this water quickly. It is also important to change the water in your bird bath every few days. The best way to reduce the chance of being bitten in your yard is to work with our Mosquito & Tick Reduction Plan. We will help you keep nasty biters away and let you really enjoy your back yard whether you are a mosquito’s favorite victim or not.