Does it feel like your yard has more mosquitoes than other neighbors? Or do you feel like you’re bitten more often than other people? There might be a reason why. Find out what attracts mosquitoes and steps you can take to avoid them.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

1. Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, so they are more likely to reside in your yard if they find standing water. Consider if you have:

• Clogged gutters
• Bird baths
• Landscape ponds without fish or fountains
• Tires
• Toys
• Potted plants that don’t drain properly
• Part of your yard with poor drainage
• Under your deck
• Sandboxes
• Animal food bowls
• Shovels
• Furniture covers after heavy rain
• Kiddie pools
• By your AC unit

To prevent standing water from attracting mosquitoes to your space, regularly check for sources of water, especially after rain.

2. Certain Blood Types

Mosquitoes bite you for your blood because they need it to reproduce, so it’s no surprise they might have preferences. A study found that mosquitoes land on people with Type O blood nearly twice as often as someone with Type A.

Unfortunately for you and mosquitoes, you can’t change your blood type. Consider using on-body mosquito repellents.

3. Sweat and Bacteria

Have you ever noticed mosquitoes bite near your ankles and feet more than any other area? That’s because they tend to be areas of your body high in bacteria. Also, mosquitoes find prey by smelling the lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia, and other substances expelled via sweat, so your jog might be the cause of your mosquito following. Consider using an on-body mosquito repellent and shower after working out.

Mosquito Problem? Call Your Neighbors at ExtermPRO.

We are your local exterminators serving northern Virginia. We understand mosquitoes and how to get rid of them. Our first step will always be the natural methods so you and your family can feel comfortable spending time outside. Call us today at 571-620-1168 to get keep mosquitoes away from your yard.