You light citronella candles, you spray DEET, you might even put screens up around your patio, but somehow you keep waking up to itchy welts on your arms and legs. Mosquitoes can be difficult to defend against. And while a few itchy bumps usually isn’t a big deal, it’s important to remember that mosquitoes are known to transmit a multitude of deadly diseases. So, it’s important to know the best methods of mosquito protection in Jacksonville.
Why Are Mosquitoes Attracted To Me?
You could be attracting mosquitoes without even realizing it. As they buzz around looking for blood to feed on, mosquitoes seek out a few particular things. If you exhibit any of these traits, you could make yourself an especially tasty meal for hungry mosquitoes.
Factors that attract mosquitoes include:
- Body heat: High body heat is incredibly appealing to mosquitoes. Pregnant women, people who have recently exercised, and people who are overweight are all more likely to be bitten.
- Dark clothing: Given the choice between a victim in dark-colored clothing versus one wearing light-colored clothing, mosquitoes will feed on the person wearing dark clothes.
- Type O blood: There must be something about universal donors that’s extra delicious. Mosquitoes prefer to feed on folks with type O blood over all other types.
- Alcohol consumption: Mosquitoes find victims by following chemical signals wafting through the air, and the chemical alterations to the bloodstream caused by alcohol can draw them to victims like a magnet. It’s not completely clear why, but getting drunk makes you more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.
How Dangerous Are Mosquitoes?
While pests like rodents and cockroaches can spread disease on your property, no pest is more adept at causing serious illness than mosquitoes. Every year, it’s estimated that mosquitoes are responsible for nearly one million deaths around the world as a result of mosquito-borne disease. Pound for pound, mosquitoes are considered the deadliest animal on the planet.
While most mosquito bites result in little more than an annoying itch, there are a host of serious pathogens they can spread. Diseases like EEE, West Nile virus, malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus are all commonly spread by mosquitoes.
How To Avoid Mosquitoes
It’s almost impossible to completely eliminate mosquitoes since these parasitic pests breed and feed over such a large area. However, you can take simple steps to reduce your chances of getting bitten:
- Stay indoors at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes are most active at sunrise and sunset. Try to avoid going outdoors in the wee hours of the morning and late evening.
- Wear light-colored clothing. White, tan, and pastel hues are your friends when it comes to combating mosquitoes. Avoid wearing dark-colored clothing when spending time outdoors.
- Drink in moderation. Try not to get carried away with alcohol consumption at your next outdoor party. By drinking in moderation, you’re less likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.
- Cover up. It’s not easy in the sweltering heat, but covering up bare skin can work wonders against mosquito bites. If you know you’re headed into a mosquito-infested area, try wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks to protect yourself.
If you’re looking to protect your property from dangerous mosquitoes, you can’t do it on your own. You need help from your friends at Havard Pest Control. For over 70 years, we’ve been solving pest problems for customers like you. With comprehensive residential pest control plans and commercial pest control plans available, our professional technicians will deal with the pests on your Jacksonville property in the safest, most effective manner possible. For superior protection against mosquitoes or any other pests infesting your property, get in touch with us today for your free inspection.