With pests, some are scary; some can destroy our homes, and some can contaminate the food we eat but is there a single one more annoying than a mosquito? Whether it is the constant buzzing in our ears, the sting of the bite, or the constant itching, they cause many sleepless nights. Here in Missouri, we are unlucky to have about 50 species of them, and Greene County, home of Springfield, has the 2nd most at 19.

If you are one of the people who feel like you are the target of attacks more than others, you may be right. Like we have different tastes, so do mosquitoes. If you are blood type O, you are more likely to be bitten by the Aedes albopictus, while AB seems to be a favorite of the Anopheles gambiae. If you are a workout warrior, you may have a target on your back. Mosquitoes can track us up to 49 feet away due to the carbon dioxide we exhale, and strenuous breathing produces more CO2. They are also equipped to sniff out the lactic acid and ammonia in our sweat. Even the more laid-back barbeque types are at risk because we are not the only ones that enjoy a cold beer. A study has found that beer drinkers attracted more of the insect as opposed to water drinkers.  They are also attracted to smelly feet.

When trying to get off their radar, there are some things you can do. Ensure there is no standing water around your property and that gutters are routinely cleaned out for starters. Stagnant or slow-moving water is a prime spot for algae to grow, and that is what the larvae feed on. Something as innocuous as an empty planter can become a breeding ground. They only need about half an inch of water to lay their eggs. This is also important because they generally stay within one mile of where they hatch.

Like us, they look for cooler areas when it is hot out, so keep trees and hedges cut back. With fewer shadows, your property is not as appealing, and the additional sunlight can also dry up small amounts of standing water. Flowery-smelling fragrances and dark clothes also attract them. Avoid tight-fitting clothes because their proboscis can go right through and reach your skin. Make sure the water in pet dishes is changed daily and bird feeders every 2-3 days. Some species feed at dawn and dusk, while others are daytime feeders, so we are under attack in Springfield throughout the day. A full moon may increase their activity by up 500%.

If mosquitoes and other bugs are wrecking the peace and quiet of your home, it is time to call Springfield’s top pest control service, Pest Patrol. Our services include a contract-free monthly exterior service. Contact us today for an estimate.