Is there anything more hated on the planet than mosquitoes? Maybe cockroaches or ants. But mosquitoes are definitely up there. Here in Kentucky, where it is mostly humid, mosquitoes are in abundance. In the past, we’ve talked about ways to keep the mosquito population down on your outside property. Today, we discuss ways to become less attractive to mosquitoes individually. This is important not just for your backyard but for anywhere you go in the Louisville area. Most of us will be enjoying the outdoors in the months to come going hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and more. These tips will help you not just at home, but anytime you are outdoors.
Tips for Becoming Less Attractive to Mosquitoes
Wear Lighter Colors
The darker the colors, the more attractive they are. Mosquitoes are especially attracted to the color black. Dark clothing helps to retain body heat which makes you sweat, and mosquitoes can smell the sweat. They sense the chemicals on your skin including lactic acid and ammonia. Because mosquitoes can bite through your clothing, it’s always a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothing when doing anything outside.
Try Not to Work Up a Sweat
Mosquitoes are highly sensitive to smell and can detect the lactic acid and carbon dioxide humans create when we sweat. They are highly attracted to both and will move closer toward an object when they smell it. We all emit carbon dioxide when we breathe out. We also produce more when we’re active, such as during exercise, which attracts more mosquitoes. Therefore, if you notice that mosquitoes seem to be attracted to you when you are playing horseshoes or basketball, you are probably correct.
Avoid the Alcohol
Mosquitoes are just as thirsty as we are. We already know that mosquitoes are attracted to our sweat. Alcohol increases the levels of ethanol in your sweat, thus increasing your body’s temperature. It also makes your blood vessels dilate, and warm blood moves closer to the surface of your skin. The warm blood closer to the surface of your skin attracts the mosquitoes. So while we are by no means suggesting you stop cracking open those brewskis, just be aware that you may need extra mosquito repellent when you do.
Use Only Unscented Body Products
Mosquitoes track us down through their sense of smell. Does it seem like there is a pattern here so far? If you answered yes, you are correct. Mosquitoes hunt their prey through smell which is why most of the tips in this article allude to scents. We know that alcohol and increased sweat attracts mosquitoes. Other scents include those found in shampoos, lotions, body sprays, perfumes, colognes, and soaps. If you plan on hiking, camping, or spending any time outdoors at night, give up using anything scented and opt for all-natural, unscented products.
Use An Effective Repellent
Repellents weren’t made to kill mosquitoes. They just repel them. They work by blocking the receptors that mosquitoes use to detect hosts. The most effective mosquito repellent products recommended by the Centers for Disease Control are repellents that contain Deet, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and picaridin. So when purchasing mosquito repellent, be sure to look for these ingredients.
Utilize Essential Oils as a Repellent
Many people are allergic or have adverse reactions to ingredients such as DEET or can’t stand the smell of. Making your own mosquito repellent out of scents mosquitoes hate is nothing new. People have been doing this for years before store-bought repellents were on the shelves. One of the most common natural scents found in mosquito candles and tiki torches is citronella. Other natural mosquito repellents include:
- Citronella
- Rosemary
- Lemon Balm
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
- Marigold
- Lavender
- Catnip
- Basil
- Neem
- Peppermint
Make Your Own Mosquito Repellent With Vinegar
If you can handle the smell of vinegar, you’re in luck. Mixing white vinegar, citronella, and water together creates your very own mosquito repellent. Just use equal parts of each, put in a spray bottle, and voila, there you have it. Vinegar also mixes well with other ingredients, so feel free to mix in some of those essential oils we mentioned above.
Some Things Are Just Out of Your Control
Unfortunately, genetics can play a huge role in who gets more attacked by these blood-thirsty creatures than others. Mosquitoes are attracted to particular compounds that are present on human skin and sweat. It is these specific compounds that give us our specific odors. Certain odors, as we’ve already determined, draw mosquitoes in.
Controlling Mosquitoes With Mosquito Control Services From Turf Pro Outdoor Solutions
All of the ideas above are helpful, especially when enjoying activities outside in the Louisville area. But if you really want to combat mosquitoes and enjoy your backyard without the hassle of swatting, itching and being constantly irritated, you need help from professionals. Turf Pro Outdoor Solutions provides mosquito, tick, and flea control treatment to residential and commercial customers. We offer custom barrier sprays around your home and yard and all-natural treatments without all the chemicals. Learn more about both by visiting our Mosquito Control Services page, calling us, or submitting our contact form here. You can reach us at 502-991-7600.
For more tips and ideas regarding mosquito control, other pests, and lawn care, check out our other blog articles. To get to know us better, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our page on Home Advisor.
