What Attracts Mosquitoes?

When looking for a place to breed and reproduce, mosquitoes are most attracted to any area with still, stagnant water. This typically includes ponds, marshes, pools, birdbaths, and other areas that could be right in your backyard.

In terms of what makes people attractive to mosquitoes, they utilize your breath, your scent, and even your blood type to locate you! It is still a mystery why some people tend to be “mosquito magnets”, but mosquitoes will gladly bite you when they need to feed.

What attracts mosquitoes - Active Pest Control

Why Do I Have a Mosquito Problem?

When looking to infest an area, mosquitoes are attracted to areas with standing water. In the spring and summer in Georgia, mosquitoes will be drawn to a number of areas in your yard. These areas are often near bird baths, gardens, ponds, playsets, gutters, pools, spas, and more. If they are able to locate standing water, they will happily use it to lay their eggs within. Mosquitoes are especially abundant in the warmer parts of the year, which is when you will likely start to notice their activity in your backyard.

Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Me?

If you or someone you know is prone to being bitten by mosquitoes, you may be wondering why these pests seem to target some individuals more than others. Whether you know someone who is prone to mosquito bites or have suffered from them yourself, there is an air of mystery around what attracts mosquitoes to certain humans more than others. The three main things that draw mosquitoes in are as follows.

Breath. Female mosquitoes possess long antennae and organs that are able to sense odor. These parts are attuned to carbon dioxide, which is produced when someone exhales. A high concentration of carbon dioxide can be detected by mosquitoes more than 150 feet away. This accounts for the initial attraction to humans nearby.
Blood. We all possess the one thing mosquitoes need to survive: blood! Mosquitoes use their piercing proboscis to pierce our skin and suck the blood up. But are mosquitoes more attracted to people based on blood type? Researchers have demonstrated that, yes, individuals with Type O blood may be more susceptible to bites than those with Type A. In addition, scientists have concluded that genetic make-up can account for many of the factors that make someone more prone to mosquito bites.
Scent. Research has shown that mosquitoes are more attracted to certain scents. Substances like uric acid, lactic acid, and ammonia released from the glands in your skin can attract mosquitoes. Those that have a higher body temperature or perspire more often are attractive to mosquitoes. Even floral fragrances and perfumes worn can be attractive to these insects.