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What Attracts Mosquitoes?

When reproducing, mosquitoes are attracted to areas that provide them with still and stagnant water. This means ponds, marshes, pools, playsets, and more areas that could be right in your backyard.

When feeding, mosquitoes are attracted to your blood, your breath, your scent, and even your blood type! It is still a mystery why some people tend to be “mosquito magnets”, but mosquitoes will gladly feed when given the opportunity.

Mosquitoes biting neck outdoors

Why Are Mosquitoes in My Yard?

Mosquitoes are attracted to areas with standing water. In the spring and summer in North Carolina, mosquitoes will be drawn to a number of areas in your yard. Most commonly, mosquitoes can be found near bird baths, gardens, ponds, play sets, gutters, pools, spas, and more. If they are able to locate standing water, they will happily use it to lay their eggs within. Mosquitoes are especially abundant in the warmer parts of the year, which is when you may see an increase in their activity in your yard.

What Attracts Mosquitoes to Humans?

Whether you know someone who is prone to mosquito bites or have suffered from them yourself, there is an air of mystery around what attracts mosquitoes to certain humans more than others. There are three main things mosquitoes are attracted to:

  1. Breath. Female mosquitoes possess long antennae and organs that are able to sense odor. These parts are attuned to carbon dioxide, which is produced when someone exhales. A high concentration of carbon dioxide can be detected by mosquitoes more than 150 feet away. This accounts for the initial attraction to humans nearby.
  2. Blood. We all possess the one thing mosquitoes need to survive: blood! Mosquitoes use their piercing proboscis to pierce our skin and suck the blood up. But are mosquitoes more attracted to people based on blood type? Researchers have demonstrated that, yes, individuals with Type O blood may be more susceptible to bites than those with Type A. In addition, scientists have concluded that genetic make-up can account for many of the factors that make someone more prone to mosquito bites.
  3. Scent. Research has shown that mosquitoes are more attracted to certain scents. Substances like uric acid, lactic acid, and ammonia released from the glands in your skin can attract mosquitoes. Those that have a higher body temperature or perspire more often are attractive to mosquitoes. Even floral fragrances and perfumes worn can be attractive to these insects.

What Attracts Mosquitoes in North Carolina?

If your yard has become a haven for mosquitoes and someone in your family is a known “mosquito magnet”, spring and summer time can be a nightmare. Always contact a mosquito exterminator for help making your yard less attractive to mosquitoes before mosquito season each year.

What Attracts Mosquitoes? Serving Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Durham

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