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Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
8 Effective Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites, According to Entomologists
Nothing can ruin a summer night quite like itchy mosquito bites, especially if you're someone they find to be 'tasty.' Many families have their own remedies for treating these pesky bites—but as the old saying goes, prevention is better than the cure. That's why we searched for the top methods to prevent mosquito bites this summer. We consulted with two entomologists and a licensed exterminator to learn the best methods for keeping mosquitoes away from your next summer Frazer, Lead Entomologist at Aptive Kris Bagnara, certified pest control professional and associate certified entomologist at All U Need Pest Control Allan Bossel, licensed exterminator at Bug Bite ExterminatorRelated: Mosquito Season Is Here—These 10 Cities Will Have It the Worst One of the easiest ways to repel mosquitoes from your next barbecue is by lighting a citronella candle. 'Citronella candles have been a staple in deterring mosquitoes,' says pest control professional Kris Bagnara. 'It masks your carbon dioxide emissions, confusing their tracking systems.' Citronella plants can also be effective and help add some variety to your garden. (Citronella candles are made from the extracted oil of this plant.) They produce a citrusy smell that mosquitoes hate. Related: 18 Bug-Repelling Plants That Keep Unwanted Pests Out of Your Garden Spraying your yard with an insecticide specifically formulated for mosquitoes should only be done in extreme cases. If there's only one or two of the buggers flying around, then try another pest-controlled method. However, if you lose count of how many you see each day, spraying may be a viable option. 'This can be an effective long-term solution, especially for more severe mosquito problems,' says entomologist Trent Frazer. 'Always take care when using any insecticides to follow directions from the manufacturer, taking extra caution near pets and children.' Frazer adds that spraying should be done when mosquitoes are most active, usually around dawn or dusk. Many extermination companies offer professional spraying services and can send an expert to your house to evaluate the issue. This tip is especially useful for those living in the southern U.S. 'Mosquitoes thrive in humid environments, so pay close attention to eliminating relevant entry points such as windows in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room,' Frazer says. 'Consider using a dehumidifier near windows or doors in these rooms to help prevent mosquitoes from being attracted to that space and entering.' Just make sure you empty the dehumidifier as needed. Standing water, even if it's inside a machine, is an open invitation for more mosquitoes to call your house their own. There are tons of mosquito repellents out there, and each one claims to do the best job. Bagnara stresses picking repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for maximum efficiency and minimal side effects for humans and pets. "A little precaution goes a long way," says Bagnara. She adds that you should always read a repellent's label to know how much to use and where to use it. 'Dosage and location of placement matter, especially with kids around,' she says. 'Avoid applying sprays to their hands and face, [and] avoid spraying anywhere they might touch and accidentally ingest.' The same rule applies to your four-legged children. 'For pets, it's best to avoid spraying near their beds, food bowls, etc,' Bangara adds. 'And always check with your vet before using any product around them, even natural ones.' Related: 9 Kitchen Staples That Repel Common Pests Like Ants, Spiders, and More 'Mosquitoes cannot breed without stagnant water,' says licensed exterminator Allan Bossel. 'Check everything after rain or irrigation. If it holds water longer than 24 hours, it is a hatch site. Even a bottle-cap amount of water could be enough.' While birdbaths and buckets are obvious places for standing water to collect, also check overfilled plant saucers, clogged AC drain lines, and even the folds in a patio tarp. Twice a week, walk the yard, dump anything with a puddle, and you're done. (Your skin will thank you when there are no mosquitoes gnawing away at your arm.) While the sunrise and sunset can be magical times of the day from an aesthetic viewpoint, they're also the times when you're most likely to encounter mosquitoes. 'Those are peak mosquito hours because the air is calm and light is low,' Bossel says. If you have to be out during those times, utilize bug-repelling candles and repellents, and be sure to wear protective clothing. Fans are a mainstay in the summer to promote better air circulation—but, as it turns out, they can also be a useful tool for fighting mosquitoes. 'They hate air movement because they're not good flyers, and it keeps them from locking onto your scent,' Bossel explains. For covered porches, consider installing a ceiling fan so you can spend time outside without worrying about the bugs. Otherwise, make sure to have an oscillating fan or battery-operated device nearby to keep bugs away. Related: Here's How to Deep-Clean Every Type of Fan, From Table Fans to Oscillating Models Bossel says that one colony of bats can eat thousands of mosquitoes in a week. A bat box is a nesting space for these useful creatures that could attract them to your property. (Make sure bats aren't an invasive species in your area before installing.) 'If you have the space, hang a bat box eight feet up on the warm side of a tree,' Bossel recommends. 'Just keep the area quiet. Bats hate noise and lights. If you give them space, they handle the bugs for you. That is what I call delegation.' Bats will eat other insects, too, and in some cases can even act as pollinators. If you choose to go this route, reduce or eliminate your insecticide use as that will deplete the bats' food supply. Read the original article on Martha Stewart
Tom's Guide
12-07-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Pest experts reveal the reasons mosquitoes bite certain people — and you'll be surprised
Summer is here and it's the ideal time to enjoy the warm weather outdoors. And if you've spotted unsightly bites on your skin, mosquitoes are the most likely culprit. Wether you're at home or away on vacation, getting rid of mosquitoes is frustrating to say the least. At just 2 to 4 mm in size, these blood-sucking pests can bite you and leave behind an itchy or raised rash which can be irritating for days. But, if you're prone to getting mosquito bites more than your partner or family members, you might be wondering why. According to pest controllers, certain people are more enticing for mosquitoes to feast on than others — and this all depends on several factors. Luckily, we've got the experts at hand to answer all your questions, and to reveal the reasons mosquitoes will only bite certain people. Believe it or not, mosquitoes are attracted to a particular body size of a person. This is down to the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled, which attracts mosquitoes. "First, body factors do affect the menu for mosquitoes, and size plays into it," states Allan Bossel, Operations Expert at Bed Bug Exterminator. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "Some people give off more carbon dioxide when they breathe, and that is the main chemical that attracts mosquitoes like magnets. So if you are taller or heavier, your lungs pump out more of it." Whether we're dripping in sweat in a heatwave, or have just finished a daily jog, workout or physical activity, it's probably best to jump in the shower straight away. "Sweat plays a role," states Bossel. "The lactic acid and ammonia found in sweat are two of the main attractants for mosquitoes. If you just went for a 30-minute jog and skipped a rinse, you are basically a walking mosquito lure. While daytime biting mosquitoes are increasing in range, the real pressure comes from dusk until dawn. The best way to help prevent bites is to plan ahead and be prepared with a repellent solution of your choosing that fits the occasion. If you are stationary around the table, on the porch, patio or deck, a spatial repellent like Thermacell is great to use. For those on the go, personal DEET-based sprays offer great protection." It's important to note that only female mosquitoes feed on blood and only to breed What's more, you're only likely to get bitten by female mosquitoes, as they feed on blood to breed. "Mosquitoes have evolved to really be able to zero in on their targets," adds Adam Goess, Executive Director of Innovation & Insights at Thermacell Repellents, Inc. and in-house Bug Expert. "It's important to note that only female mosquitoes feed on blood and only to breed. They are attracted to CO2 and the lactic acid on our skin. Oftentimes outdoor activities will cause us to sweat a little more or breathe a little harder, alerting mosquitoes to our presence." Another interesting reason why mosquitoes bite certain people is dependent on their blood type. "With blood type, people with Type O blood are found to be bitten more frequently than those with Type A or B" states David Price, Associate Certified Entomologist and Vice President, Strategic Growth, Mosquito Joe. "Mosquitoes can detect blood type in markers in skin secretions, although any blood type can be bitten." So, if you are a blood Type O, what are the best ways to repel buzzing mosquitoes? "Most natural solutions work by masking the odors that mosquitoes key in on (CO2, lactic acid). Solutions like vanilla extract, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus etc., must be applied in high concentrations around every 30 minutes to see any noticeable effectiveness," advises Goess. This pure peppermint oil is paraben free, and provides a fresh scent. Versatile to use in aromatherapy, or in an oil or reed diffuser. And while the fragrance is pleasant to our senses, it is also known to be a natural mosquito and pest repellent. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get rid of mosquitoes in your home and your yard, and you can even make your own non-toxic mosquito trap in just a few easy steps. Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender or citronella are also great, natural mosquito repellents.
