Mosquitoes seem to have a way of finding you, no matter how much you try to avoid them. If you feel like a mosquito magnet, chances are, something around your home—or even your own body—is drawing them in.
Understanding these attractants can help you take action to reduce mosquito bites and protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile, Zika, dengue, and chikungunya.
Key Takeaways
- Mosquitoes come to your home because of standing water, body heat, sweat, blood type, and even your clothes.
- Any standing water—like in bird baths, gutters, or toys—lets mosquitoes lay eggs and grow fast.
- Mosquitoes find you by sensing carbon dioxide, body heat, sweat, pregnancy, dark clothes, and scented products.
- Getting rid of standing water, wearing long sleeves, using bug spray, and professional treatments can help stop mosquitoes.
Standing Water
The number one reason various mosquito species keep coming back?
Standing water.
Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, and within days, the larvae develop into adult mosquitoes. Any amount of water—whether it’s in clogged gutters, bird baths, or even an overturned toy—can quickly lead to an increase in the mosquito population.
If you’re not actively removing these water sources, you’re giving Aedes aegypti mosquitoes a place to thrive.
Carbon Dioxide
Mosquitoes don’t rely solely on sight to find you—they use receptors to detect carbon dioxide (CO₂) from your breath.
Every time you exhale, you release CO₂, which acts like a beacon, guiding blood-sucking mosquitoes straight to you. The more CO₂ you produce—especially when you’re active or have a higher body temperature—the more attractive you become.
This is why exercising outdoors at dusk often results in more mosquito bites.
Body Heat and Sweat
Mosquitoes are highly sensitive to body heat and the signals your skin gives off. When you sweat, your body releases lactic acid, a key compound that mosquitoes use to locate a blood meal.
The combination of body odor, human skin, and skin microbiota can also impact mosquito preference, making some people more prone to bites than others.
Human Blood Type
Believe it or not, your blood type may determine how many mosquito bites you get. Studies show that mosquitoes have a landing preference for people with Type O blood, while those with Type A get fewer bites.
Dark Clothing
Mosquitoes use vision as well as scent to track their prey. Dark-colored clothing—such as black or navy—stands out in contrast to the sky, making it easier for them to find you.
Scented Products and Human Odor
Certain smells attract mosquitoes, including floral perfumes, fruity body sprays, and even some lotions. Skin odor is also influenced by your skin microbiota, which varies from person to person.
If you naturally produce more carboxylic acid levels, you may be more prone to mosquito bites.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
The best way to get rid of mosquitoes in the house? Use mosquito repellents. Spray products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus have been proven to repel mosquitoes effectively.
If you’re spending time outdoors, apply insect repellents and reapply as needed. Wearing long sleeves and pants and sleeping under a mosquito net in high-risk areas can further protect you from bites.
Take Action Against Mosquitoes
At Rowland Pest Management, we offer targeted mosquito control treatments to drastically reduce the mosquito population around your home.
Our monthly fogging treatments create a protective barrier, discouraging mosquitoes from invading your yard. We also identify and eliminate breeding sites to stop new mosquitoes before they hatch.
If you’re tired of swatting away mosquitoes every time you step outside, give us a call. We’ll make your yard a place you can enjoy again—without the bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about mosquitoes? Here are some common things people wonder about that can help you stay bite-free.
Why do some mosquito bites itch more than others?
Mosquito bites itch because of your body’s reaction to their saliva. When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva that prevents blood from clotting. Your immune system reacts by releasing histamines, which cause itching and swelling.
Can mosquitoes make pets sick?
Yes, mosquitoes can spread diseases to pets, especially dogs. They carry heartworm, a parasite that grows in a dog’s heart and lungs. This can cause breathing problems and even organ failure. Cats can also be at risk, though it’s less common.
Do certain plants keep mosquitoes away?
Some plants, like citronella, lavender, and basil, have smells that mosquitoes don’t like. But just having them in your yard isn’t enough. To work, the leaves need to be crushed or the oils released.