For a creature so small, the mosquito has a surprisingly impressive ability to disrupt the most vibrant of family barbecues, the most relaxed evening on the patio.
We all know that mosquitoes bite us in search of a blood meal, but you might be wondering, “Why do mosquitoes need blood, in the first place?” It all boils down to their basic biology.
Sure, you’d probably rather not have to deal with mosquitoes in the first place than get a science lesson about why they want to bite you. But understanding why and how mosquitoes bite is your first (and necessary) step in getting rid of them for good.
So let’s break it down.
Why Do Mosquitoes Need Blood? The Science
Before we get into some helpful preventative tips for mosquitoes, let’s answer the lingering question you likely have: why do mosquitoes need blood in the first place?
First, know that only female mosquitoes actually need blood. As for males, they’re more interested in a plant-based diet, relying on nectar and plant sap for their energy (they’re the vegans of the insect world).
For females, however, blood provides something special that plants simply can’t. Blood isn’t about survival for mosquitoes, but for reproduction. Female mosquitoes require the protein and iron in the blood to produce and nourish their eggs.
Without it, they can’t reproduce effectively. This specialized diet allows them to lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime, which is why even a single mosquito can contribute significantly to their overall population growth.
What many people don’t realize is that mosquitoes don’t feed exclusively on human blood. In fact, of the 3,500 mosquito species worldwide, most actually prefer feeding on animals like birds, cattle, or amphibians. Lucky us, huh?
Human blood is a preferred option for only some species, like Aedes aegypti, in specific conditions, such as in urban areas where continuous water sources attract mosquitoes.
Why Mosquitoes Are Drawn to Humans
If you’ve ever felt like mosquitoes are out to get you specifically, it’s not just your imagination. Mosquitoes have specific triggers that make certain people (and animals) more enticing than others. These pests rely on sensory cues, like carbon dioxide, body odor, and body heat, to pinpoint and attack their targets.
Most notably, mosquitoes zero in on carbon dioxide clouds, which humans conveniently emit with every exhale. Once the bugs detect CO2, they’re guided by your natural skin odor, something that’s influenced by the sweat and bacteria on your skin.
Fun fact: mosquitoes love lactic acid, which is produced when you sweat. So if you’ve been hitting the gym before sipping cocktails at your backyard cookout, you’re practically ringing the dinner bell for mosquitoes.
Don’t forget about body heat, either. During our warm summer evenings here in Virginia, hot temperatures and standing water combine to create a veritable mosquito paradise. Puddles, birdbaths, clogged gutters, you name it: all of these serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The Health Risks Mosquitoes Pose
Itchy mosquito bites are aggravating, keeping you up at night and begging for relief. However, beyond being annoying, they can also be dangerous.
For starters, mosquito bites carry major health risks for you and your family. Mosquitoes are vectors for several diseases, with the ones most common to the DC, Virginia, and Maryland regions being West Nile virus, Zika virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and dog heartworm (for our pets).
Each mosquito bite could potentially expose you to harmful pathogens, especially if you’ve been spending lots of time outdoors. Families with pets or children need to be particularly cautious.
How Connor’s Pest Pros Can Help Prevent Mosquitoes
At Connor’s Pest Pros, we understand just how frustrating and dangerous mosquito infestations can be. We’ve developed comprehensive mosquito prevention services to help you reclaim all of your outdoor spaces. How do we do it? It’s simple.
Our work starts with a basic property inspection to search for and eliminate breeding grounds where mosquitoes are likely to lay their eggs. Standing water in flower pots, kids’ toys, or clogged drains doesn’t stand a chance with us.
Then, we apply proven treatments that are designed to reduce mosquito populations without harming the environment.
Our ultimate focus is on long-term solutions, not one-off fixes. It’s easy to reach for a fly swatter to bat away mosquitoes. But getting rid of them for good? That’s where we come in. We’ll provide you with all the guidance you need to minimize your risks year-round.
Tips for Reducing Mosquito Breeding at Home
The services Connor’s Pest Pros provides are the most effective, long-lasting solutions you have to minimize mosquito activity. However, if you need some tips to tide you over in the short term, here are some ideas to keep the swatting at a minimum:
- Get Rid of Standing Water: Dump water that might be collected in buckets, planters, and tires to remove breeding sites.
- Fix Your Gutters: Clogged gutters can trap rainwater, which mosquitoes love. Keep them clean and flowing.
- Use Screens: Make sure your doors and windows are sealed with tight screens to prevent indoor mosquito surprises.
- Trim Your Yard: Mosquitoes hide in overgrown grass and shrubs, so keep a neat yard and mow it often.
- Add a Fan: If you’re sitting outside, use a fan. The air movement makes it harder for mosquitoes to land.
Ultimately, small steps like these can add up to big results.
Partner With Connor’s Pest Pros Today
Have mosquitoes been turning your outdoor space into no man’s land? If so, it’s time to bring in the professionals.
At Connor’s Pest Pros, we specialize in making your yard mosquito-free so you can get back to enjoying all those backyard barbecues and relaxing evenings on your porch swing. We’ve become masters of mosquito biology so that you don’t have to. From detailed inspections to tailored treatments, we’ll handle the hard work while you kick back.
Don’t wait for yet another itchy bite. Instead, contact us today to schedule a consultation and get back your spare time—and your space.
