While there are many things to enjoy about the warmer summer months, the influx of flying insects is not one of them. Mosquitoes in Maryland are some of the most dreaded summer pests, both for the annoying, itchy bites they leave and the dangerous diseases many carry.
If you are already dreading the arrival of mosquitoes this summer, there are several things you can do to prevent these pests from biting you and your loved ones. By understanding what attracts mosquitoes to your yard, you can prevent them from arriving this summer.
Standing Water
Standing water is one of the biggest reasons you may see mosquitoes in your yard. Things like overwatered plants, bird baths, and even old tires can collect excess water and create a breeding ground for these pests.
Having standing water in your yard can be especially dangerous if you are pregnant, as getting bitten by a mosquito can increase your chances of being exposed to dangerous diseases like malaria.
Clogged Gutters
Likewise, clogged gutters make for the perfect hangout spots for mosquitoes, as gutters are often filled with standing water and debris. Clear your gutters every fall and spring to ensure that your home’s foundation is safe and to prevent pests like mosquitoes and cockroaches from making a home. Dirty gutters are also the perfect nesting place for stinging insects like bees and wasps.
Sweat
Mosquitoes are particularly attracted to human sweat, which is why you may notice you get bitten more when you’re working out or sweating outside during the summer months. These insects are drawn to the lactic acid and ammonia found in human sweat, so try to avoid spending time outdoors until you’ve taken a shower to prevent getting bitten.
Even just wearing long sleeves and misting yourself with some water can help you keep mosquitoes from nipping at you.
Cologne and Perfume
In addition to sweat, mosquitoes are also attracted to various fragrances found in colognes and perfumes. Mosquitoes are known to be drawn to strong, sweet scents, especially ones with floral notes. Consider substituting any floral-scented perfumes with different ones or forgoing any sprays altogether–unless they’re bug sprays.
Nectar
Mosquitoes love sugar, which is why they are especially drawn to plant nectar and other sugar sources. Sugar gives mosquitoes the energy to fly and sustain themselves, so keeping an eye on any sugar sources in your yard is imperative to keeping mosquitoes at bay.
Certain Flowers and Plants
Mosquitoes are known to be attracted to certain flowers and plants, with some of their favorites including:
- Water lilies
- Water hyacinths
- Bamboo
- Taro
- Papyrus
If you plan on planting flowers in your garden this year, avoid these ones or see if any plants you grow will attract other pests.
Open Garbage Cans
Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water and waste, which is why you may see them hovering around open garbage cans. Leaving your trash cans uncovered or overflowing can attract more mosquitoes than you’d like, so it is important to seal your garbage cans properly. This will also help you avoid other pests, like cockroaches and rodents.
Yard Debris
Finally, mosquitoes are known to seek shelter anywhere they can find it, including any debris you may have sitting around your yard. Things like piles of leaves and lumber can encourage mosquitoes to stick around, so be sure to stay on top of maintaining a clean and clutter-free yard to prevent mosquitoes.
Tips to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Yard
If getting rid of natural attractants is not enough, we’ve provided some general tips to help you maintain a mosquito-free yard.
- Maintain your yard by cutting grass and trimming overgrown vegetation
- Remove standing water (bird baths, water fountains, and kiddie pools not in use)
- Clear debris and clutter
- Grow mosquito-repelling plants (citronella, lavender, etc.)
- Hang bird feeders in your yard–birds are natural predators of mosquitoes
- Bring a fan to any outdoor living space you may have–mosquitoes are weak flyers.
If you find yourself dealing with mosquitoes and are unable to keep them away from your yard, enlist the help of a local pest control expert. Pest Czar offers quick and effective treatments that help keep mosquitoes away, as well as residential pest control plans designed to keep mosquitoes and 40 other pests at bay.
FAQs
Are mosquitoes attracted to certain blood types?
If you have ever noticed that certain people seem to attract mosquitoes more than others, it could be that their blood type is particularly tasty to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are believed to prefer the taste of blood type O compared to other blood types and are said to dislike the taste of blood type A. However, it is important to note that people with all blood types can get bitten by mosquitoes.
Why do mosquitoes bite some people more than others?
As mentioned earlier, mosquitoes may prefer certain blood types over others, meaning that some people may find themselves more prone to bites. It is also believed that people with a higher metabolic rate are more attractive to mosquitoes, such as pregnant women and people who work out a lot.
What time of day are mosquitoes most active?
Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn, which is why you may notice you get bitten more when it’s dark outside. However, it is still possible to be bitten by mosquitoes during other times of the day.