Mosquito Prevention: 4 Signals Mosquitoes Use to Locate Humans

It does take a while for mosquitoes to come back into prominence after our long Wisconsin winters, but these pests are well-equipped to feed and thrive every summer here. Even though it might seem like there’s nothing you can do to avoid them during the warmer months, this isn’t true. If you learn about the signals they look for and what you can do to limit these signals, you can enjoy more mosquito-free time outside. Read on for mosquito prevention advice from the mosquito exterminators at Batzner Pest Control.

4 Signals Mosquitoes Use to Locate Hosts

It seems to be the case that mosquitoes prefer certain people over others, but scientists have yet to come to a consensus on the unwavering genetic or biological qualities that make people more attractive to them. However, we do know that there are 4 main signs that mosquitoes look out for to find hosts to feed on:

1. Breath: When we exhale, we release carbon dioxide into the air that mosquitoes pick up on. An increased level of CO2 tells mosquitoes that potential hosts are nearby.
2. Body odor: Our body odor is attractive to mosquitoes, and this natural scent is amplified when we perspire. This means that working out around mosquito breeding grounds will result in more bites than usual.
3. Body temperature: Mosquitoes gravitate toward higher body temperatures. Wearing dark clothing can trap heat close to your body and create a target for mosquitoes.
4. Color: Human skin, regardless of pigmentation, gives off longer light wavelengths that mosquitoes use to find hosts.

Stopping Mosquito Bites in Wisconsin

Although these signals are impossible to cut out completely, there are ways that you can limit the signals that you give off, and extra efforts you can take to discourage mosquitoes from living and breeding around your property. We recommend that you take this mosquito prevention advice:

• Get rid of standing water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in pools of standing water as big as ponds and as small as tiny puddles. If you find that rainwater is collecting in your buckets, planters, gutters, or elsewhere in your yard, cover it up or pour it out.
• Use bug spray: EPA-approved insect repellent products containing either DEET or picaridin are the most effective options for spray-on mosquito control. If you would rather use an all-natural alternative, try lemon eucalyptus oil or citronella candles.
• Wear covering clothing: Limiting exposed skin will block signals to mosquitoes that you’re available and decrease their viable biting real estate. Light-colored clothing can also help to keep your body temperature down.

Why Professional Mosquito Control Works

It’s easy to allow a mosquito problem to grow rapidly out of sight because mosquitoes are capable of breeding in inconspicuous areas where you wouldn’t think to look. If you don’t know what to do to avoid constant mosquito bites, reach out to your local pest control company. Our mosquito exterminators at Batzner Pest Control can conduct a property-wide inspection to figure out where these pests are coming from and how we can keep them out all summer long. Reach out today for a free quote!