Mosquito FAQS

There are several reasons why a mosquito selects a host. Body odor, wearing perfume, jogging, body heat, sweaty socks, wearing dark clothes, having type O blood, or just basically breathing are some things that will attract a mosquito. These pests tend to pick humans over animals as well.

Adult females search for and lay their eggs in stagnant water, mainly puddles, lakes, or other sources like a standing bucket. Adults mate when it’s cooler in big swarms in a continuous cycle until the female dies. Females can mate between 1-3 times during their lifespan.

Most mosquitoes can typically fly about 1 to 1.5 miles per hour, depending on the species. A typical mosquito can fly between 1-3 miles, but under the best circumstances, the Midwest variety can fly up to 7 miles. The distance depends on the wind and how often the mosquitoes encounter a host.

Mosquitoes rely on stagnant water to lay their eggs. They are pulled to the humidity and vapors of the water and it’s the most attractive place for them. If you have an overwhelming number of mosquitoes in your yard, it’s a good idea to limit any source of water that may be available, such as a bird bath or a bucket left out in the rain.

Mosquitoes have been around for centuries. Their main purpose is to be a food source to other creatures, like bats. Some creatures depend on them for that reason. Other than that, they seem to live to breed.

Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn when the air is calm. They prefer warm temperatures, moist environments, and can be active all year round.

While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, the main infections include malaria, dengue, eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and West Nile Virus. Recently, mosquitoes have been reported to carry the Zika Virus, which can be deadly. There are nearly 3,000 different mosquito species, which makes it difficult to determine which insect carries the disease.

The main thing female mosquitoes are attracted to is carbon dioxide, which we unfortunately produce when breathing. These biters tend to go after people with higher body heat and people with type O blood. Regardless, mosquitoes do not discriminate. They will bite anyone.

Mosquitoes can enter a home through any port: a window, exhaust vents, an open door, etc. Anything that isn’t sealed is a prime place for pests to enter, not limited to mosquitoes.

The best way to prevent mosquito bites is by limiting the possibilities for them to nest around your home. Make sure your yard is free of stagnant water and limit anything that may attract them, like a bird bath or standing rain water. Wear repellent, or heavier clothing should you go outside.

The main way is to get rid of possible breeding grounds. Be wary of tree holes, open containers, flower pots, frisbees or children’s toys, clogged gutters, swimming pools, buckets, wheelbarrows, water bottles or caps, or anything that can collect rainwater. Additionally, keep your grass cut low – mosquitoes can use long blades of grass to avoid predators. Consider a barrier spray to block unwanted pests.