Mosquitoes are attracted to environments offering stagnant water where they can feed and reproduce. This means places like ponds, wetland areas, swimming pools, or even an unnoticed water-filled toy could turn into an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes right in your backyard.
Mosquitoes are also attracted to your blood, your breath, your scent, and even your blood type! It is still a mystery why some people tend to be “mosquito magnets,” but mosquitoes will gladly feed when given the opportunity.
Why Are Mosquitoes in My Yard?
The presence of an increased number of mosquitoes in your area is typically tied back to a single factor: stagnant water. Especially in Southampton, with the arrival of spring and summer, mosquitoes emerge aggressively, seeking spots to deposit their eggs. Areas such as bird baths, gardens, ponds, play sets, obstructed gutters, pools, and hot tubs become prime targets for mosquitoes.
Mosquito activity spikes during the warmer seasons, making them more visible and bothersome as temperatures climb. Once they locate an optimal habitat, they are quick to claim your outdoor area as their own breeding site.
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What Attracts Mosquitoes to Humans?
Whether you know someone who is prone to mosquito bites or have suffered from them yourself, 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:
- 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. 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 makeup can account for many of the factors that make someone more prone to mosquito bites.
- 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 to Do When Mosquitoes Are Around
If your yard has become a haven for mosquitoes and someone in your family is a known “mosquito magnet,” spring and summertime can be a nightmare. Always contact a mosquito exterminator for help making your yard less attractive to mosquitoes before mosquito season each year.
Bringing in a professional mosquito control expert is the best move to prevent your yard from turning into a mosquito magnet. Our team at East End Tick & Mosquito Control® has the expertise to pinpoint and eliminate potential breeding grounds, allowing you to relish your time outdoors without the nuisance of incessant mosquito interference.