Mosquito Fast Facts to Prepare for Spring Surge

With the first official day of spring budding this week, it’s time to talk about everyone's least favorite outdoor party crashers: mosquitoes.

Let's dive into some interesting facts and myths about these pesky insects, and more importantly, how to stop them from ruining your outdoor fun this season.

What many people do not know is that only female mosquitoes bite. The males feed on flower nectar and other sweet plant juices. If you see a mosquito flying around, it’s most likely a female looking for a blood meal to support her egg development.

Adult mosquitoes can lay up to 300 eggs at once and their lifecycle is short — less than a week when temperatures are 80° to 90° F! This is why it's important to eliminate any standing water where they tend to lay their eggs before they become biting adults.

Now, let's debunk some common myths about mosquitoes. Contrary to popular belief, mosquito bites do not just happen at night. The container breeders, commonly called Asian Tiger and Yellow Fever mosquitoes, bite any time of the day, especially early in the morning and at sunset.

Many people think they're getting bitten more because of their blood type, and they’re right. Mosquitoes are more attracted to certain blood types, and 80 percent of people produce a secretion that signals their blood type. So, as many studies have indicated, if you're type O, you may want to take extra precautions.

However, blood type is not the only mosquito magnet. They have sensitive olfactory sensors and are highly attracted to body odor, which is determined by genetics and bacteria on the skin. These sensors will also sense the presence of CO2, according to a Current Biology study. They also sense body heat and light contrast and will move towards darker colors, so consider wearing lighter clothing to ward them off.

This next one might be a hard pill to swallow for some — if you are enjoying an alcoholic beverage at your outdoor party, mosquitoes may be more attracted to you, according to a 2002 study. It's also worth noting that pregnant women are more attractive to mosquitoes because of their high body temperature and increased carbon dioxide exhalation.

Finally, let's talk about how female mosquitoes hibernate. They can survive extensive periods of time in freezing conditions without water, and when spring rolls around, they must immediately collect blood to develop their eggs. Once they lay their eggs, they can hatch within 48 hours or endure freezing and waterless conditions, just like their mothers.

So, what can you do to make sure your outdoor fun is not ruined by mosquitoes this outdoor season? Here are some tips:

• Remove standing water around your property, including in bird baths, flowerpots and gutters, as these can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Protect yourself from bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, and consider using insect repellent on any exposed skin.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your home by using screens on doors and windows.
• Reduce the mosquito population in your yard by hiring a professional mosquito control service that uses safe and effective methods to eliminate mosquitoes, making your outdoor space more enjoyable for you and your family.
  

By taking these steps, you can enjoy your outdoor festivities without the annoyance of mosquitoes. Don't let these pesky pests ruin your Memorial Day or Fourth of July celebrations. Stay informed and take action to protect yourself and your loved ones.

David Price is an Associate Certified Entomologist and Director of Technical Services for Mosquito Joe. Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company, is a leader in the outdoor pest control industry dedicated to making outside fun again by eliminating mosquitoes, ticks and fleas from customers’ yards. The brand was founded in 2010 and has since expanded to more than 350 locations throughout the U.S.