There is nothing more peaceful than enjoying the cool breeze of a summer night while laying on a blanket or in a hammock. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the flickering lights of the fireflies, the twinkle of the stars, the brightness of the moon or even a late-night swim. We look forward to summer all year long, but unfortunately, summer brings mosquito bites. It seems that the bug spray and citronella candles are only somewhat effective. Why are these pecky insects attracted to you so much? Keep reading for more information on what attracts mosquitoes to humans.
A Way to Quench Their Thirst
Only the female mosquitoes feast on human blood, the reason being that they need the protein for their eggs. However, they may also be looking for something to drink simply because they are thirsty. Therefore, if they don’t have ready access to water, mosquitoes are more likely to find a host in order to quench their thirst. But there is a myriad of other reasons for mosquitoes to be attracted to you.
A Way to Satisfy Their Taste Buds
If you’ve been bitten by mosquitoes more than others, you may have been called, “Sweet Meat” or something similar. However, the truth is that mosquitoes are attracted to certain chemicals made by the body, such as lactic acid. They also use your metabolic rate, or carbon dioxide as a way of identifying their hosts, so the more that your body produces, the more likely you are to attract these pests. Anything that raises your metabolic rate will attract mosquitoes as well- such as drinking alcohol or any physical activity. Because pregnant women and those who are obese have a higher resting metabolic rate, they are also attractive to mosquitoes.
A Way to See You
Because mosquitoes can’t fly in any kind of wind, they prefer to stay lower to the ground. When looking for a host, they look for a dark silhouette that will stand out against its surroundings. Essentially, dark-colored clothing, such as navy blue, black or purple, make you easier to spot for a mosquito because lighter colors tend to blend into the background. Constant movement also makes you more noticeable, as it distinguishes you from trees, plants, buildings or other inanimate objects.
Although there is no fool-proof way to stay mosquito-free, knowing what attracts mosquitoes will better help you plan for how to detract them from eating you alive this summer. For more help with mosquito control, contact Abarb Pest Services today!
