Don’t Be a Mosquito Magnet

Mosquitoes are attracted to humans for one obvious reason: blood. Female mosquitoes need the protein in blood to build their eggs, and they can’t lay them without it. Besides the pain and endless itching that result from a mosquito bite, it can also infect your body with germs and viruses that cause different diseases. The number of mosquito-transmitted diseases like Malaria, Dengue, and the Zika Virus is increasing daily, which calls for a robust mosquito control system. Just like charity begins at home, the first step in an effective mosquito control plan is your personal effort to avoid being a mosquito magnet.

Why Humans are Mosquito Magnets

Mosquitoes dig fresh blood. But did it ever occur to you that they are attracted to humans due to our sweat? Mosquitoes can smell our blood. But our sweat works as an odor signal tempting mosquitoes to bite us. Our bodies also emit body heat, along with carbon dioxide as we breathe, which helps mosquitoes home in on their targets. Male mosquitoes feed on flower nectar and have no reason to bother humans. But adult female mosquitoes need blood to generate eggs and breed. We know that humans are mosquito magnets, but really any blood will suffice. Animals are not exempt from becoming victims of mosquito bites either. So if you have furry friends, you should be concerned about the diseases mosquitoes can spread to them, such as heartworms.

How Can You Stop Being a Mosquito Magnet?

No matter how fierce and sly mosquitoes are, there are a number of ways you can avoid being a mosquito magnet. These include:

Repellent

Apply a clinically proven and recommended mosquito repellent while you are out and about. Mosquitoes are most likely to attack outdoors, so make sure the exposed areas of your body are covered with a good mosquito repellent. DEET-based repellents are common, but if you prefer an option that is lighter and organic, then go for that. Organic mosquito repellents are less harmful to the skin but not always as effective. Repellents that use picaridin are the most effective alternative to DEET.

Bathing

Bathe daily. Yes, this might come as a shock, but people who don’t shower daily are on the radar for mosquito attacks. Especially in summers when we are sweating a lot, multiple showers a day will keep off the sweat that attracts mosquitoes. Be sure to bathe after you exercise, too.

Permethrin

Wash your clothes, curtains, and shades with Permethrin-based products once in a while. Permethrin repels ticks and mosquitoes, and for this reason, it is a good option to prevent mosquitoes from biting you.

Clothing

Mosquitoes are attracted to black or dark clothing. They have poor eyesight and mostly look for silhouettes that move to differentiate between animals and trees or rocks. Avoid wearing black in the evening or when you know that you will stay outdoors for long. Preferably, wear light-colored clothes that cover your whole body. Mosquitoes can bite through some fabrics, but if you wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t hug your skin, they can’t reach you.

Screens and Nets

Cover your doors and windows with shades and screens. Doors and windows with screens will stop mosquitoes and other flying bugs from entering your home even when the windows are open for ventilation. If you have severe mosquito problems or plan to camp outdoors, bed nets can also help keep mosquitoes away while you are sleeping.

Reduce Mosquito Habitats

Most importantly, limit mosquito-friendly habitats. Your yard, pool, or lawn have the potential to be a perfect place for mosquitoes and other insects to live and breed. But you can put an end to those prospects. Spray your outdoor areas, lawn shrubs, and gutters with an insecticide. Make sure to read and follow the label on retail insecticides, and stay away from commercial-grade chemicals. Also, keep your kids away from the sprayed area until it becomes safe. The safest option is to hire a company like Mr. Mister to spray for you.

Professional Solutions

If you are on the lookout for a mosquito control system that actually works, give Mr. Mister a call. We’re an Atlanta-based mosquito control company that offers an effective, safe, proven solution that guards your property against mosquitoes. Our installed systems are managed by certified professionals. Our manual spraying is done by skilled professionals who visit your home to spray about once every three weeks.

Conclusion: Don’t Be a Mosquito Magnet

Mosquitoes bite humans because they need blood to produce eggs. While male mosquitoes are likely to feed on the nectar gathered from flowers, females require blood when they are ready to breed. There are many ways you can reduce your chances of a mosquito attack. Repellents, sprays, traps, and insecticides are the most commonly used. There are also ways to make it harder for mosquitoes to smell, see, and bite you, like bathing, wearing white clothes, and avoiding tight clothing. The ultimate way to prevent being a mosquito magnet is to implement Mr. Mister’s automated mosquito control system or ClearZone™ mosquito treatment, which is safe for people, pets, and other insects and guarantees 100% results.