A woman applies mosquito repellent while they fly around her as she hikes on a trail.

“Why do I always attract all the mosquitoes in the area?”

Has this ever been you, wondering if there is something about you that makes those winged pests seek you out more than others around you? We’re here to tell you that you’re not crazy. There are some factors proven by research that attract mosquitoes to you more than others.

In this article, we will be covering why mosquitoes are attracted to certain things, how they find their prey (that’s you), and some ways you can attempt to reduce this magnetic force that seems to attract all the mosquitoes in the area right to you.

What attracts mosquitoes to people?

In the early 1900s, mosquitoes were believed to detect humans by the warmer temperatures rising from our bodies’ surface. Due to increased observation and lab testing of the mosquito, it has been discovered that the mosquito uses its senses of sight and smell to find the hosts it latches onto.

Your body’s chemistry is a main factor in what attracts a mosquito to you. If you have the qualities that mosquitoes hunt for in their host, we’re sorry to say, but you’re probably dinner.

Bodily Scents

The primary factor that a mosquito looks for in a target is the amount of carbon dioxide that is being released out of your body whether it is through your nose, mouth, or your skin.

Research experts say that an excessive amount of carbon dioxide is released by those who have a high metabolic rate.

Pregnant women and larger people tend to exhale more meaning that they are also tempting targets for the mosquito.

Do certain colors attract mosquitoes?

Mosquitos can see pretty well as they can detect movement and colors with their eyesight. Mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors because they can contrast a target against a background. We suggest wearing bright or pale colors when going outside on a warm evening. Colors such as white, light blue, light yellow, and light pink do not attract mosquitoes as much as darker colors.

Are mosquitoes attracted to a certain blood type?

Mosquitoes have been known to prefer Type O blood when tested in research labs, but that does not mean they will ignore any other types. There are eight common blood types out there. Some of our clients have asked us if mosquitoes prefer a certain blood type. The answer to this is yes. Mosquitoes have a preference when it comes to blood type.

During a study conducted by the United States National Institute of Health, mosquitoes seemed to prefer hosts with type O blood. After type O blood, the mosquitoes seemed to go after type A blood. Based on this information, those with type O or A blood should put on a little extra mosquito repellant.

Are mosquitoes attracted to light?

If mosquitoes were attracted to light like some other bugs, we could set up some of those UV and black light traps and let them take care of every mosquito around. Unfortunately, a scientific study has been done disproving the effectiveness of these light traps for mosquitoes.

The experiment did in fact catch mosquitoes; however, there were not enough to prove that a light source directly attracts them. This study reported that only about 5% of the total daily catches in these light traps were mosquitoes. Many of the other insects in the traps were actually bugs that eat pests like mosquitoes. These light traps could in fact prove to be more harmful than helpful.

Can mosquitoes see where they are going?

Mosquitoes actually have very good eyesight and some very aggressive species hunt during the day. A mosquito will use its sense of sight when hunting by day and its sense of smell during darker hours. As mentioned before, mosquitoes use their eyesight to contrast a host against darker colors. This is why it is advised that you wear bright colors when around areas known to have mosquitoes.

Do certain smells attract mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are not attracted to the typical types of strong scents that we would think to identify like honey, garlic, or rotten meat. Mosquitoes are attracted to the subtle scents that come off of humans and animals.

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) states that there are around 340 different scents that human skin gives off.

Some of the scents that mosquitoes look for when targeting their prey are carbon dioxide, lactic acid, ammonia, and the bacteria in our sweat.

One study discovered that the odor of human feet seemed to attract mosquitoes. A used sock was placed near mosquitoes for testing and it successfully attracted enough of them to confirm the hypothesis.

Mosquitoes are also attracted to the scent of some flowers, as they feed off of nectar as many other insects do. Male mosquitoes only feed off of flower nectar, while females feed off of both nectar and the blood of a host.

Mosquitoes are attracted to the smells that draw them to their food. If they smell their next meal, or something that is mimicking it, that is where they’re headed.

What attracts mosquitoes to your yard?

When a mosquito is attracted to a location like a yard it is because of its one job in life: procreation. When mosquitoes are not looking for something to eat, they are looking for a nice place to live as well as lay their offspring. So what is the type of environment mosquitoes look for that your backyard has?

Standing water

If you have any amount of water that is sitting stagnant in your yard, you can be sure that it will eventually attract mosquitoes in warmer months if it remains there. These locations are spawning points for hundreds of mosquitoes as they hatch from eggs to larvae and finally become buzzing mosquitoes.

Warm temperatures

Mosquitoes come out of their hibernation state when the weather starts to get warmer. If the temperature in your area is starting to climb, this is when you should be on the lookout.

Moisture

Mosquitoes thrive off of moisture. Have you ever noticed that you may be bitten by more mosquitoes the morning after a heavy rain? Moisture that remains in debris and tall grass can attract mosquitoes to your yard.

Mosquito Control With Clegg’s Pest Control

In conclusion, there are several ways that mosquitoes can hunt you down, and sometimes you don’t know that they’ve been on you until they’re gone. Some of these things you cannot control, like the amount of carbon dioxide you give off and your natural human scent. You can attempt to wear bright clothes to detract mosquitoes, but if you are dealing with a mosquito problem, you will not be able to deal with it on your own.

You can try everything possible to keep mosquitoes away from you, but the chances are that at least a couple will find you or your yard. Mosquitoes look for food and a place to breed, so if either of those options are around your house for them, you can expect a visit.

If you have noticed that there are a lot of mosquitoes around your property and you are constantly getting bitten, we can help you. Our trained professionals are equipped with the tools needed to control mosquito populations and keep them away from your home for good!

Contact Clegg’s today for a free inspection and we will give you the best solution for your mosquito problem.

CLEGG’S PEST CONTROL CAN SOLVE YOUR ANT PROBLEM

If you have ever seen an ant in your house then you know that there is never just one. Ants live in large groups called colonies. Often times their nests are underground or inside trees, but sometimes ants move in and make their colony in the walls of a house or building. Inside of your home, ants can nest behind baseboards, moldings, countertops, inside walls, or even in your dishwasher. A single ant colony can live and reproduce for years with one queen, making them extremely hard to get rid of if they have set up residence in your home. Depending upon where the colony has made its nest, you may need to contact our team to control the infestation.

Surprisingly, what ants are attracted to actually changes throughout the year depending on where they are in their mating cycle. In the spring for example, when they are just beginning the mating and colonizing phase, they tend to be more attracted to high protein foods such as meat scraps left in the trash, peanut butter, other insects, or fats like grease, oil, and butter. As the summer continues, the new generation of ants requires more quick energy to grow and expand the nest so the ants will seek carbohydrates to eat for energy. This leads ants to be more attracted to sweets like crumbs and leftovers, spilled drinks, and garden produce.
No matter if the ants are entering your home in search of the food source they need, or if they have built up a residence in your walls, most people agree that getting them out is necessary. Contact our team to schedule your FREE initial inspection and get rid of ants in your home today.

TYPES OF ANTS

ODOROUS HOUSE ANTS

These ants have one node that is hidden by their abdomen and are dark brown to black in color. They are most often found in kitchens. When this ant is crushed it emits a coconut odor which signifies its name. Like the Argentine Ants, these ants may be found under mulch, along foundations, or underneath some form of debris. As with many ants, food sources will draw them out. If you have mulch or debris around the foundation of your home then you need to ensure that all cracks and crevices are sealed to prevent an inside invasion. Locating the nest is the surest way to eliminate the infestation but this is very difficult therefore bait is used on the ant trails which will lead the toxin back to the colony.

ACROBAT ANTS

These ants are yellowish brown to dark brown and are a little longer than 1/8 inch. Their abdomen is heart shaped and when disturbed they try to carry their abdomen above the rest of their body. If nesting outdoors they usually nest in decaying or dead wood. When foraging indoors they like wood or a damp wall cavity to nest in. A spray treatment should be performed in all areas these ants are found and drilling may be required to treat any wall voids that have become infested.

FIRE ANTS

Fire ants are red with 2 nodes and a stinger which sets them aside from most other ants. Fire ants are usually found outdoors versus indoors however when they do venture indoors it is usually along the edge of carpet. If you follow the trail back to the entry point then the mound is usually not far. We treat the mound(s) itself as well as the trail of ants.

How to Get Rid of Fire Ants: Read Article

Fire Ant Queen: Read Article

Fire Ant Mound: Read Article

CARPENTER ANTS

Carpenter ants have one node (circled) and an evenly rounded thorax. Carpenter vary is color and size but most are large and a blackish color. Parent colony lives in constant moisture. Satellite colonies are usually involved in infestations. Carpenter ants are most active at night, and the sound of a colony resembles that of wrinkling up cellophane. Colonies may exist in several areas including: wood, wall voids, hollow voids, under insulation, etc. Treatment usually involves the use of a dust and/or aerosol to flush out the existing colony.

Signs of Carpenter Ants: Read Article

Carpenter Ant vs Termite Damage: Read Article

Carpenter Ant Queen: Read Article

Carpenter Ant Bite: Read Article

What Do Carpenter Ants Eat: Read Article

FIELD ANTS

Field ants are black, brown, tan, reddish, or red and black in color. Field ants have 3 small eyes in the middle of their head (between their 2 compound eyes). Field ants are not usually found inside but rather around structures or under piles of wood, brick, or rocks. Once the colony is located, the mound itself is treated to eliminate the problem.

LITTLE BLACK ANTS

Black ants are tiny in size and are jet black in color. Little black ants occasionally invade homes but are usually found in the soil or nesting in the masonry or woodwork of a structure. Treating the colony itself is the best way to eliminate this ant. Indoor treatments may include the use of dust to treat wall voids.

How to Get Rid of Tiny Black Ants: Read Article

PAVEMENT ANTS

Pavement ants also have 2 nodes and are usually found in one of 3 places: 1) Outside along the foundation 2) Beneath slab foundation 3) Inside hollow foundation walls. Pavement ants may also be found trailing along the edge of carpets. Displaced soil indicates colony locations. They are a small brown to black ant with pale legs; their abdomen is black. Treatment is most successful when the colony itself is located and then treated. Depending on colony site, drilling may be required in order to apply the appropriate chemical.

PHARAOH ANTS

Pharaoh ants have 2 nodes (circled left) and are usually found traveling wires, the plumbing in walls, or inside wall outlet boxes. Baiting is the only effective treatment method for pharaoh ants. Pharaoh ants are known to have many colonies therefore all ant trails need to be baited. They are very small ants, usually light yellow to red in color with black markings on their abdomen.

CITRONELLA ANTS

Citronella Antsare usually light yellow to light reddish brown with small eyes and they have a citronella odor when crushed. Nest sites usually include open pastures, gardens, lawns, or around a home’s foundation. They may also be found underneath a concrete slab or inside of or underneath a timber that has become rotten. There are 2 species: the worker and the swarmer. The swarmers are almost twice the size of the workers and have smoke colored wings. Once colony is located the mound itself is treated to eliminate the problem.

ARGENTINE ANTS

Argentine Ants are a one node ant and that one node is sharply peaked. They are usually dull brown in color and when they are crushed a musty odor usually follows. Argentine ants are usually found outside under mulch, foundation slabs, or inside of a tree or shrub. We check all items that come in contact with the soil and treat all mounds that are located. On some occasions drilling may be required in order to treat a void that a colony may be inhabiting.

GHOST ANTS

Ghost Ants are a one node ant, very small in size, and pale in color. A rotten odor is emitted when ghost ants are crushed. Eliminating harborage sites around the foundation of a structure will help reduce the chance for an infestation of ghost ants. Ghost ants also travel inside along carpet edges, moldings, windowsills, electrical outlets, and any area near a water source. Finding the nest site by following the trail is the key to eliminating the infestation.

CRAZY ANTS

Crazy Ants are a one node ant, relatively small in size. They have extraordinarily long legs and are dark brown to blackish in color. Crazy ants are most easily identified by their zig-zag like movement. The crazy ant adapts very well to its environment whether it is a dry or wet habitat. We check all items that come in contact with the soil and treat all mounds that are located. On some occasions drilling may be required in order to treat a void that a colony may be inhabiting.

WHITE FOOTED ANTS

White Footed Ants have a hidden node. Its body color is darker than that of the odorous house ant and the end of their legs are a yellowish white color. These ants like to nest in soil, in old trees, and various other damp locations that have may provided a good nesting site. Their 2 preferred sources of food are dead insects and food with lots of sugar. Once the colony has been located the mound needs to be treated in addition to a perimeter spray performed around the infested site.

BIG HEADED ANTS

Big Headed Ants are a dimorphic species which means the worker ants vary in size. These ants are small in size and are yellowish or light to dark brown in color. The major worker has a large head for its body size whereas the minor worker’s head is more proportionate to its body size. These ants will nest in open areas but are usually found in the soil beneath a protective covering such as firewood or landscape timbers. Individual mounds should be drenched to eliminate the colony. Bait is effective for indoor treatments.

THIEF ANTS

Thief ants have 2 nodes, very small eyes, and is yellow to light brown in color. These ants normally nest outside in the soil underneath rocks. If these ants move inside they usually nest in wall voids or behind baseboards. Nests are hard to locate because they will travel long distances for food. These ants eat almost anything but prefer meats, fats, and grease. Ant bait is the most effective control method to use for thief ants.

Savings Opportunities

$100 OFF

Initial Moisture Control Services

Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household. Applies to initial moisture services only. No Cash Value. Must be 18 or older to redeem.

15% OFF

Clegg's Military Discount

Are you a current or former member of our nation’s military? We would like to show our thanks and appreciation for your service in the form of a special discount on Clegg’s Pest Control services. Some restrictions may apply. Limit one per household.

Ready for a Free Inspection?

Free Estimate Lead Form

We’re sorry, we only service inside North Carolina.

Clegg's Locations

Protection on all fronts

From the couch to the cubicle.

Do you think you may have an infestation?  Don’t waste any more time.  We need to fortify your defenses against an array of formidable foes.  We offer a wide array of residential as well as commercial grade services throughout North Carolina.

Residential Pest Control

Our residential pest management plans are custom tailored to your specific situation and need.

Commercial Pest Control

Pest control services for schools, hospitals, apartment complexes, offices, and everything in between.

Current Promotions

$39 OFF

Initial General Pest Control Service

Residential and new customers only. Must sign up for pest control maintenance plan. Must be 18 or older to redeem. Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household. Call your local branch for more details.

$100 OFF

New Initial Termite Services

Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household. Applies to new initial termite services only. Does not include termite reports for closings or termite pretreatment services. No cash value. Must be 18 or older to redeem

15% OFF

Initial Bed Bug Control Services

Residential and New Customers Only. Call your local branch for details! Excludes Bedding Encasements. Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household.

15% OFF

Clegg's Military Discount

Are you a current or former member of our nation’s military? We would like to show our thanks and appreciation for your service in the form of a special discount on Clegg’s Pest Control services. Some restrictions may apply. Limit one per household.

$100 OFF

Initial Moisture Control Services

Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household. Applies to initial moisture services only. No Cash Value. Must be 18 or older to redeem.

Get Your Free Estimate Today!

We would love to talk with you about your pest problems. Whatever your needs we’re ready to help. Fill out the simple form below and we will be in touch soon.

Free Estimate Lead Form

We’re sorry, we only service inside North Carolina.