A Few Important Clarifications About Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are the cause of untold suffering for millions of people across the world. It is unlikely that you would come across a person who does not know what a mosquito is. Or some of the basic details about this pesky insect. However, have you ever paused to really examine what you know about mosquitoes? Is it accurate, factual, or is it a myth? This post will look into some of these matters.

Blood Types

Have you ever heard that people with certain blood types may be more of a delicacy for mosquitoes than others? Well, that piece of information may be misleading if you don’t have all the facts:

Mosquitoes Are Attracted to Certain Blood Types: While many people believe they are more likely to get bit by mosquitoes because of their blood type, this is not technically the case. Mosquitoes are not attracted to certain people because their blood tastes “sweeter,” they are attracted to people because of their size, skin, and other genetic factors. For instance, a mosquito may be more or less attracted to a person because of skin bacteria. Mosquitoes are also more likely to bite adults over children, because they emit higher levels of carbon dioxide and body heat. While people with certain blood types may produce higher amounts of ammonia, lactic acid, and sweat, it is these qualities that attract mosquitoes—not the blood type itself. Read more at Proof Pest…

The special components that make these people more attractive are not necessarily in their blood. In fact, their blood probably tastes just as sweet as that of the next person with a different blood type.

Alcohol

Ever heard that mosquitoes also prefer when you’re “tipsy”? Turns out this is actually true. Here is an explanation of what that entails:

Mosquitoes are more attracted to beer drinkers
A vast 84% of Americans believe this to be false, but we can confirm that it is in fact true. Mosquitoes are attracted to high levels of carbon dioxide, elevated temperature, and lactic acid, all of which increase in our bodies when we drink alcohol, particularly fermented beverages such as beer and wine.
That means you need to go easy on the brewskies or wine coolers – especially if you’re sitting outdoors. Read more at TruGreen…

And considering the fact that alcohol is present in your blood while you’re drinking, does it mean a mosquito that bites you will get drunk? It may be worth a Google search, if you have the time…

I’m Safe!

Well, hopefully, you are. However, you might be wrong if your idea of safety is the simple fact that there isn’t a visible breeding ground for mosquitoes near you. Here’s an example of such a situation:

Myth: Water? What standing water? I don’t have a pond or floodwater in my yard, so there’s nowhere for mosquitoes to breed.

Reality: Check for water in wheelbarrows, clogged gutters, baby pools, bird baths, flower pots, even upside-down plastic discs. These small pools of water give plenty of space for mosquito eggs to grow. A water bottle cap, for example, gives enough room for 500 mosquito eggs, Garofolo said. Read more at Daily Herald…

These sneaky pests will find a way around your home. So, you need to ensure your home is mosquito-proof. And the best way to do that is to get the professionals to do it for you.

At Backyard Bug Patrol, we are known for our absolute disdain for mosquitoes. Moreover, our barrier spray program is sure to go deep into the foliage of your yard. That way, any mosquito that lands in your yard will be dead on arrival. Don’t take any chances; call us over and you’ll have the peace of mind you deserve!