Understanding Mosquito Behavior: Insights Into Why They Bite
What makes one person more appetizing to mosquitoes than another? Is there really a certain blood type that can make mosquitoes want to bite you? Let's break down the basic facts about mosquito behavior and how you can use these facts to avoid becoming a meal for a mosquito.
If mosquitoes in Cookeville tend to zero in on you, it may have to do with your blood type. Mosquitoes in studies demonstrated a preference for people with type O blood. Their attraction has to do with tracking the antigens in saliva, tears, and body sweat. Individuals that are type A, B, and AB produce A or B antigens. Type O individuals do not produce A or B antigens. They produce H antigens. Either mosquitoes are looking to avoid A and B antigens, or they are attracted to H antigens. Either way, there isn't a lot you can do about this. If you have Type O blood, you simply need to take greater precautions to avoid bites.
If you consume alcohol at an outdoor gathering, you may lure mosquitoes to you, according to studies. It was first discovered that drinking beer was an attractant. Now, it is widely understood that any alcohol consumption can increase the attraction of mosquitoes. The simple solution is to be the designated driver.
If you exercise outdoors or if you are pregnant, you can attract mosquitoes. They are drawn to increased body heat, sweat, and carbon dioxide emissions. CO2 will attract them first. When they draw close, they'll zero in on the body heat, and the scent of the sweat will make a mosquito decide whether or not to bite you.
If you wear certain clothing, you can avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes have a long mouth called a proboscis. It can stick it through the holes in certain fabrics. It is recommended to wear thick clothing or clothing that is loose on the body. When practical, you should also opt for long-sleeved shirts instead of t-shirts and pants instead of shorts.
If you wear light-colored clothing, you'll get fewer bites. The reason for this is that mosquitoes have poor eyesight and will rely on contrasts in light to locate you. A bright-colored fabric against the light-colored sky will blend in. When mosquitoes fly low to the ground to lock in on you, they'll lose track when the contrast is broken.
If you wear perfume, you will attract mosquitoes. It is not commonly understood, but mosquitoes don't live on blood meals. Only females draw a blood meal, and they do so for the purpose of reproduction. Both males and females rely on nectar and plant sap for nourishment. Since perfume smells like flowers, it can lure a female mosquito in for a meal – even if it isn't a meal of sweet nectar.
If you apply scents to your skin, you may still get bites. While there are smells mosquitoes hate, female mosquitoes aren't easily deterred from drawing a blood meal, since they require it for reproduction. Along with this, naturally derived products wear out quickly and can leave you exposed.
Do you see how understanding mosquito behavior can help you avoid bites? But, as you can imagine, these tips will only get you so far. In a moment, we'll look at some prevention tips that tackle the problem head-on. Before we do, let's quickly look at why you should take the time to apply mosquito prevention.
Health Risks Of Mosquito Bites: Warning Signs To Watch For
Most mosquito bites are just irritatingly itchy and nothing more. But it is possible to get very sick from a mosquito bite. We're sure you know this. Mosquito-borne viruses, like West Nile virus, get a lot of press. But, as you're likely aware, it is possible to get lots of mosquito bites and not get sick at all. Why does this happen? There are a few reasons. Some mosquitoes don't transmit diseases to humans, so you can get lots of bites and not get sick. You can also get lots of bites from mosquitoes that do spread diseases to humans and not get sick if those mosquitoes aren't infected. Mosquitoes aren't born with viruses.
When are you at risk for a mosquito-borne disease? The diseases that concern U.S. residents most are diseases found in local animal populations. For this reason, malaria, yellow fever, Zika virus, and several other dangerous mosquito viruses are only a threat when we have an outbreak.
What diseases do mosquitoes spread in the United States? The most common and deadly virus endemic to the U.S. is the West Nile virus. It is a flu-like disease that causes encephalitis, which is brain swelling. Here is a list of other endemic mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S. See if you notice any commonality: Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Western Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, La Crosse Encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon virus. Did you see the common theme? Most mosquito viruses in the U.S. cause encephalitis. Therefore, experiencing flu-like symptoms that include a headache is an indication that you may have contracted a virus from a mosquito. It is obviously not conclusive, but linking mosquito bites to this medical symptom can alert you to a potentially harmful sickness. But keep in mind that you may just have the flu or the common cold. It is possible to get a headache with either.
Mosquito Bite Prevention: How to Protect Yourself From Bites
When you go outside, you put yourself at risk of getting mosquito bites. While there are some ways to avoid mosquito bites, targeted control is always best.
Here are our best suggestions for targeted control in your yard and also for when you're away from home.
When it comes to personal protection, there is no better way to avoid mosquito bites than to wear clothing with netting, and fabrics that mosquitoes can't pierce with their mouthparts.
Do you have an outdoor area where you relax? You may consider installing plants to get rid of mosquitoes. There are many plants that repel mosquitoes. Keep these plants near so that you can rub them and activate the scent. After rubbing your plants, rub the oils on your skin for added protection.
When away from home, synthetic mosquito repellents will provide long-lasting and decent protection from mosquito bites. We recommend using a product with DEET.
Reduce mosquitoes in your yard by removing any objects that collect rainwater. A female mosquito will lay a hundred eggs at a time in stagnant water. When you remove water sources, you get rid of the source of mosquitoes on your property.
These targeted methods can increase your protection and further reduce the chances of getting mosquito bites. If you want a hassle-free way to reduce mosquitoes in your backyard, professional mosquito control is the way to go. Let's take a quick look at how pest control in Cookeville works to address mosquitoes.
Say Goodbye To Mosquito Bites Around Your Yard: Call Us Today!
If you don't want bites, the best solution is to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard. How does a professional help you do this? We inspect your property and consider the conducive conditions, breeding sites, and other factors that increase mosquito activity. We target key areas to prevent mosquito development and knock down any adult mosquitoes currently on your property. We use liquid treatments in common areas of mosquito growth. If greater measures are needed, we will apply a fogging treatment to address mosquito activity. Along with taking down adult mosquitoes, we address breeding sites with larval control. When mosquitoes can't grow into adults, they can't take to the air, fly around your property, and bite you.
We provide two forms of mosquito control. If you want to get rid of mosquitoes in advance of an upcoming outdoor event, we can come to your property and perform a one-time mosquito treatment. When you want long-term protection, seasonal mosquito control is the way to go. We perform monthly treatments to routinely reset your property and get rid of the mosquitoes.
Want to learn more about mosquito control in Cookeville or get pricing for mosquito control on your property? Contact Midstate Termite & Pest Control today for help with mosquitoes and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Cookeville.