If you’ve read up on how to get rid of mosquitoes, it is likely that you and your home are already less attractive to summer’s most annoying pest. However, even with the right prevention methods, you are unfortunately not guaranteed protection. And while it is important to know what keeps mosquitoes away – it is equally vital to know what attracts this insect – and, consequently, what to avoid to stay bite-free for the remainder of their season.
Why do mosquitoes love me?
The primary way mosquitoes find their human victims is by the smell of sweat. ‘According to various studies, mosquitoes are attracted specifically by such sweat elements as lactic acid and ammonia,’ says Nicholas Martin, founder of Pest Control Hacks (opens in new tab). Similarly, Mike Duncan, trainer and quality assurance manager at Truly Nolen of America (opens in new tab), reinforces their attraction to sweat. He says that ‘mosquitoes are attracted to people with perspiration’ – alongside those with a higher body temperature. Therefore, exercising outside during prime mosquito season is probably best avoided. Mike explains that studies also suggest that mosquitoes are attracted to people with an O blood type and those drinking certain types of alcohol. ‘This one may be a surprise, but mosquitoes tend to be attracted to people drinking beer,’ Mike says. You may also know that there are colors that attract mosquitoes into the home – most prominently dark tones like black, navy, and red.
5 home hacks to keep mosquitoes away
Investing in mosquito repellent plants is one of the aesthetic ways to deter the pest in your home. However, there are even more expert-approved tricks to regain control over your house for as long as mosquitoes stay around.
1. Add essential oils to your bath
You may know there are some scents that deter mosquitoes – so it is inevitable that adding them to your bath has its benefits. Nicholas recommends bringing essential oils, such as lemon, lavender, and bergamot, into your bathing routine – to enjoy its therapeutic and pest-repellent benefits. ‘This tip came to us from India, where many regions are heavily infested with infectious mosquitoes,’ he says.
2. Use fans indoors and outdoors
The question of whether fans keep mosquitoes away has a way of dividing expert opinion. However, many, like Nicholas, argue that mosquitoes ‘hate wind of any kind’ – meaning your best fan will keep you cool and possibly prevent bites, too. For maximum security, you should install plants in areas of opportunity in your home – such as near open windows and doors.
3. Maintain your lawn
You may want to keep your grass cut and maintained to enjoy a healthy green patch for the remainder of the summer and early fall. And while this process is good-looking, it has mosquito repellent benefits, too. Mike Duncan recommends keeping your grass and underbrush cut back around your home – adding that ‘mosquitoes generally will only fly a short distance for a blood meal.’
4. Avoid standing water
All mosquitoes love water, so limiting all stagnant water in your home and garden is important. Mark suggests checking containers around the perimeter of your home for standing water to eliminate anything that may be attracting the insect to your space. ‘This includes potted plants with catch basins at the bottom that holds water, which is a perfect place for breeding mosquitos,’ he says.
5. Invest in chemical and electrical traps
‘DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) helps to mask our scent to mosquitoes and other biting insects, causing them to not sense us at all and stay away,’ he says. ‘It’s a widespread ingredient in many insect repellents where you can typically find a popular DEET-containing brand at your local store.’
How can I be less attractive to mosquitoes?
Following the tips above will likely limit mosquito activity and lower your chances of being bitten in your home. You can also make your plants attractive by making a homemade bug spray using staple home ingredients (such as liquid soap) alongside commercial DEET sprays (for personal use), as explained by the experts above.
