No one wants to deal with the frustration of mosquitoes on their Western Massachusetts property. Oddly enough, though, the habits and behaviors of humans can contribute to the attracting factors for these bloodsucking pests.
There are a variety of ways you can help reduce mosquito populations on your property if you know what and what not to do. Applying these methods can make a world of difference in the quality of your outdoor enjoyment.
Living mosquito-free is well worth the time and effort it takes to protect your Western Massachusetts property from unwanted mosquitoes.
Mosquito Identification
Adult mosquitoes have a narrow, oval-shaped body with long legs, and a proboscis that is used for feeding. Their bodies are typically grey in color, with iridescent scales, white stripes across their abdomen, and an average size of ¼ - 3/8 of an inch in length.
Mosquitoes are known for their whining buzz, annoying swarms, and itchy bites. They are often considered seemingly harmless, but there are many dangers associated with mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are carriers and transmitters of harmful diseases that can become life-threatening if left untreated. Mosquito-related diseases are responsible for more than a million deaths a year, including West Nile virus, malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
Mosquitoes Favor Some People Over Others
No one wants to deal with a swarm of hungry, biting mosquitoes. Some people even claim that mosquitoes bother them more then others. It may sound like a myth, but mosquitoes really do prefer certain individuals.
When a woman is pregnant, her temperature increases, especially around her abdomen. This rise in temperature releases more volatile substances from the surface of their skin, allowing mosquitoes to more easily detect them.
A person with type O blood has the convenient benefit of being a universal blood donor, but studies have revealed that certain mosquito species are attracted to the skin of people with type O blood nearly twice as often as those with type A.
Some attracting factors cannot be avoided, such as pregnancy or blood type. However, there are additional factors that people can refrain from that will help keep the mosquitoes away.
Five Avoidable Factors That Will Attract Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are attracted to warmth, and they can see darker objects more easily than lighter ones. Here are five ways you may be attracting mosquitoes to your skin:
- Wearing dark clothing that can be detected more easily.
- Raising your body heat with alcohol consumption.
- Wearing floral scented detergents, lotions, perfumes, and cologne.
- Poor lawn maintenance, creating an abundance of shady resting spots.
- Leaving standing water sources, which generate prolific breeding grounds.
Now that you know the main factors that attract mosquitoes, here are few tips to help reduce your chances of being bitten:
- Wear lighter clothing with a loose fit.
- Avoid drinking alcohol in areas with high mosquito populations.
- Replace floral scented products with unscented products when spending time outdoors.
- Keep tall grasses and vegetation well maintained. Limit the number of flowering plants in outdoor areas where you spend the most time.
- Eliminate standing water sources around your property.
- Avoid areas with high mosquito populations, such as heavily wooded areas, lakes, ponds, and drainage ditches.
- Stay indoors during peak mosquito feeding activity hours around dusk and dawn.
- Apply effective mosquito repellent that contains DEET before spending time outdoors.
Mosquito prevention will help reduce mosquito activity, but it won’t eliminate the problem. Professional mosquito control services are the only way to ensure a mosquito-free property.
Effective Mosquito Control
American Pest Solutions is a family-owned and -operated pest control company that has been proudly serving Western Massachusetts for more than a century. Our trained specialists are state-certified and licensed pest control consultants that you can rely on.
Protecting the homes and businesses of our community has been a longstanding tradition at American Pest Solutions. We customize our treatment plans to meet the specific needs of you and your property, eliminate existing pest activity, and prevent pest issues from arising in the future.
Contact us today to schedule your free inspection! Be sure to ask about our Mosquito Guard program and Pest Guard pest control program. We also offer a one-time mosquito service treatment for special events and outdoor activities.