Mosquitoes use a combination of several techniques to find their victims. They monitor a number of signals that attracts them to a victim. Mosquitoes can detect a potential feeding source from over 150 feet away. If you feel like you attract more mosquitoes than other people around you, you may be right.
Things You Cannot Change
Mosquitoes are attracted to the amount of CO2 that you put out. This can increase when you are exercising. However, everyone is going to exhale, and so there is not a lot that you can do about this. Another thing that attracts mosquitoes is the heat that you are naturally putting off. If you have just finished exercising or you naturally have a slightly higher temperature than those around you, you may attract more mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are also attracted to lactic acid, which may breathe out in addition to the CO2. Mosquitoes tend to be attracted more to pregnant women and people who are overweight because they have a high resting metabolic rate.
Things You Can Change
There are a few things that you do have control have when it comes to mosquitoes finding you. They tend to gravitate to people who are dressed in darker clothing. If you are spending time outside, try to wear light shades of clothing. They also tend to bite people more if they have just had a beer. They are attracted to the smell. If you know you are going to spend time outside, you may want to choose to not imbibe if mosquitoes are a big issue and you know you will be spending a lot of time outside.
Preventing Mosquitoes
The best way to avoid being bitten is to wear insect repellent. Another good option is to treat your yard for mosquitoes. A technician can apply a barrier spray that will stop new mosquitoes from getting in, as well as treat the standing water in your area to stop new mosquitoes from developing into adults. If mosquitoes are a big problem in your area, it is worth treating your yard. It can allow your family to enjoy time outside again.
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