Is there anything more irritating than being eaten alive? As silly as this might sound, mosquito bites are widely agreed to be among the most annoying aspects of spending time outdoors. If you agree that being bitten by one of these pests is the worst, and are looking for some ways to keep them from biting you around your Quad City property, here are a few things you should know, including what smells these pests hate.
What Draws Mosquitoes To Yards
Mosquitoes only care about two things breeding and feeding. Female mosquitoes need two things to breed; a source of blood to provide nutrients to their young and a stagnant water source where they can lay their eggs. Females draw blood from both animals and people using their needle-shaped mouthparts. They find stagnant water in birdbaths, ornate pools, puddles of collected rainwater, clogged gutters, ponds, and in a variety of other locations. All of this is to say, if your property offers mosquitoes the ability to feed and breed, they will be drawn in.
The Dangers Of Mosquitoes
You might not know this, but mosquitoes are the most dangerous creatures on the planet and responsible for over a million human deaths each year. They get this number so high with the way they spread dangerous blood-borne diseases such as malaria. If you haven’t heard about this, it is likely because most mosquito-related deaths happen in third world countries. Here in The States, we have access to detailed health care services and treatments for various dangerous diseases they spread. However, this does not mean you cannot get sick.
Odors That Deter Mosquitoes
Despite their small size, mosquitoes indeed have a sense of smell, which they use to track prey and detect the carbon dioxide humans breathe. One upside to mosquitoes having a good nose is that certain smells bother them. Use scents like citronella, clove, peppermint, and eucalyptus around your home to reduce your chances of these pests coming indoors. However, these smells are by no means a perfect solution and will not stop mosquitoes from biting or causing trouble around your yard.
Other Ways To Limit Your Exposure To Mosquitoes
Smells are not the only way to deter mosquitoes from biting and are by no means the best solution. Here are some other strategies to reduce your chances of being bitten by these potentially dangerous pests:
Remove sources of standing water around your property.
Install fans around covered outdoor seating areas.
Apply bug spray to your skin and clothing before going out into dense mosquito areas.
Avoid going outside during dusk and dawn.
Avoid dense mosquito areas such as swamps and marshlands.
Why Professional Mosquito Control Is Your Best Option
Unless you enjoy covering yourself in bug spray every time you go outside, there is no pleasant method that guarantees mosquitoes won’t bite you. The only way to avoid uncomfortable sprays and difficult DIY is to invest in year-round mosquito control services courtesy of Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators.
Our team will apply a mosquito repellant mist around breeding sites and targeted areas to eliminate these pests at their source and as they come onto your property. With years of experience and a group of friendly professionals dedicated to your protection, you won't ever have to worry that you made the wrong choice choosing us. Contact our team today with any questions you have and schedule your Quad Cities yard for a service visit.