When mosquitoes attack, you probably have one question - "Why me?" Out of all the backyards in Greensboro, NC why are mosquitoes on yours? There's no simple, two-word answer to your question, but there are a few things you should know about what attracts mosquitoes to a property and you.
Mosquitoes in Greensboro, NC
No matter where in the world you are, mosquitoes share similar traits. They're flying insects with long proboscises. Unlike hornets and wasps in Greensboro, these insects don't envenomate and leave you with a painful sting. However, they are regarded as one of the most hazardous animals on the planet.
What makes mosquitoes so dangerous is the female's tendency to feed on blood. To successfully reproduce, female mosquitoes need blood. They use their proboscises to penetrate your skin and suck blood, and in the process, they can transmit diseases. Some mosquito-borne diseases are deadly.
What Attracts Mosquitoes to People?
Because they're so dangerous, mosquitoes are unwanted pests. But keeping them away isn't as easy as you might imagine. All of the following factors attract mosquitoes:
- Pregnant Women: Although it may sound strange, pregnant women are more vulnerable to mosquito bites than individuals who aren't pregnant. There's a simple explanation for this. To find food, mosquitoes seek out heat signatures. Pregnant women experience an increase in body temperature, which attracts mosquitoes
- Type O Blood: Back in the 1970s, a research study showed that mosquitoes favored people with Type O blood. They landed on the skin of Type O people nearly twice as often as people with Type A. For some reason, people with Type O are more appealing to mosquitoes in Greensboro. No one is 100% certain why this is the case, but there are a few theories. People secrete chemicals through their skin, and those chemicals depend on their blood type. If you seem to be irresistible to mosquitoes, the culprit could be your blood.
- Dark Clothing: When you wear dark clothing, you attract more than just the sun. Dark clothing increases your heat signature and draws in mosquitoes. If you plan on spending time in your yard or nature, consider wearing light-colored clothing.
- Alcohol: When you sweat, remnants of alcohol leave your body. And for whatever reason, mosquitoes seek out the scent. After a few drinks, you could be a magnet for mosquitoes.
What Attracts Mosquitoes to Yards?
Even if you don't attract mosquitoes for the reasons above, your yard could be appealing to them. For instance, mosquitoes thrive in moist environments. A yard with puddles and water-filled buckets is a haven for mosquitoes. If you have lush vegetation, the greenery increases the humidity and also draws in these pests.
Typically, poorly maintained yards have ample mosquitoes. Tall grasses, untrimmed bushes, and debris piles give mosquitoes everything they need to thrive. If you have flowers in your yard, the nectar could also be appealing to them.
Keeping Mosquitoes Away
If you don't want a mosquito problem, there are a few things you can do:
- Cleaning up your yard is a good start, as you can limit moisture and prevent water from pooling.
- Keep your bushes and flowers far from your home.
- You can also try to plant mosquito-repelling plants, such as citronella and lemongrass. While this alone won't keep mosquitoes away, it's a start.
- You might also want to use bug spray and wear long sleeves.
The most effective form of mosquito prevention is to use an experienced professional for ongoing prevention. Here at Go-Forth Home Services, our team goes through great measures to make your property undesirable to mosquitoes. We offer same-day service and free price quotes. If you're interested in learning more about what we do, call us today at Go-Forth Home Services.