What Attracts Mosquitoes?
When looking for proper breeding grounds, mosquitoes are attracted to areas that are shady and humid with areas of standing water. Ponds and marshes are common attractants for mosquitoes. However, they could just as well be attracted to areas right in your backyard, from birdbaths to pools and gardens.
Everyone knows mosquitoes are more attracted to certain individuals. When locating a host to feed on, mosquitoes are attracted to your breath, your scent, and even your blood type.
Why Do I Have Mosquitoes?
In the spring and summer in Wisconsin, 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 in the summer. They’re also attracted to heavily wooded areas that provide shade on warm days.
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What Attracts Mosquitoes to Humans?
Whether you or someone you know is a magnet for mosquitoes, there is an air of mystery around what attracts mosquitoes to certain humans more than others. There are three main things mosquitoes are attracted to:
- Exhaled 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.
- Blood type. 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.
- Natural and artificial 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.
What Attracts Mosquitoes in Wisconsin?
If your yard has become a haven for mosquitoes and someone in your family is prone to their bites, spring and summertime can be a nightmare. Always contact a mosquito exterminator for help making your yard less attractive before mosquito season each year.
What Attracts Mosquitoes? in Wisconsin
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