Why are Mosquitoes Attracted to You?
Mosquito trap data from sgvmvcd
November 23 to 27
According to our Surveillance team's November 23-27 mosquito trap numbers, it appears that mosquitoes missed out on the feastiving festivities last week. But let's not forget that mosquitoes are still here, even in the cooler months.
So what exactly attracts mosquitoes to us, you ask? Luckily, you've come to the right people.
Why are mosquitoes attracted to me?
Carbon Dioxide
Mosquitoes don't think twice about stinky breath, it's the CO2 we exhale that helps them find us!
Heat
Just like a warm summer day, mosquitoes are drawn to heat-- which is exactly what our bodies give off.
Body odor chemistry
A natural occurance in all humans; mosquitoes are capable of sensing our bodies' presence.
Why do they only seem to bite me?
Each person is slightly different, but a female mosquito can bite anyone if she's hungry.
How can I stop mosquitoes from biting me?
Turns out, carbon dioxide, heat, and body odor chemistry are all elements we can't control. And a female mosquito will always be attracted to those elements-- it's a part of her survival traits!
Fortunately, there are a handful of voluntary actions that we can do to lower their presence.
- Mosquitoes need 7 days of stagnant water to grow. Tip and Toss standing water or containers that capture mosquito-breeding water around your home!
- They hide in shady, dense plants. Does sunlight and wind flow through your yard's vegetation? If not, then you might want to consider trimming back on the unwelcomed mosquito hotel in your backyard.
- Wear repellent. Pick one of the four ingredients: Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (or PMD), IR3535, or DEET
West Nile Virus Update: Numerous mosquito and bird samples in San Gabriel Valley have tested positive for West Nile Virus this year. Track activity in your community.