While mosquitoes don’t have typical noses like other animals, they have an incredible sense of smell. These tiny flying insects have a complex olfactory system that allows them to use their antennae and other organs around their face to smell odors from several feet away. If you ever thought mosquitoes are more attracted to you than other people, you may be right, and it could be because of your unique smell.
At Tuxedo Mosquito Control, our Roswell mosquito exterminators have seen how certain smells draw mosquitoes. Keep reading to learn more about the science behind mosquito attraction.
Body Odor And Mosquitoes: Understanding The Connection
Every person has a unique smell most humans are unable to detect. The human body emits a variety of chemicals and compounds into the air. Each one of these compounds has a unique scent that mosquitoes can pick out.
One chemical that mosquitoes seem to prefer the most is CO2. Mosquitoes can actually detect CO2 over 20 miles away. Every time you exhale, you emit CO2 into the air. The faster you breathe, the more CO2 you emit. Another thing that seems to attract mosquitoes is lactic acid. This chemical compound is secreted out of our pores when we sweat. Body heat is another thing mosquitoes can easily detect and are attracted to.
Many things that happen naturally to a human body when it is active seem to attract mosquitoes. If you are going to participate in any physical activities outdoors, you should consider wearing mosquito repellant or another type of mosquito treatment and prevention option.
Natural Oils As Mosquito Repellants: A Roswell Guide
While many smells can attract a mosquito, there are also several smells mosquitoes don’t like. Many plants emit their own chemical compounds that mosquitoes try to stay away from. If you are looking for an organic mosquito control option, you may want to consider using these natural oils around your home:
- Clove oil
- Lemon oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Lavender oil
- Tea tree oil
- Thyme oil
- Citronella oil
You can find some of these oils in candles, but you could also make your own repellant spray by mixing the oils with water. If the natural oils don’t seem to keep the pesky bugs away, it is probably time to consult a professional mosquito control expert.
Garlic And Other Edible Repellents: Fact or Fiction?
Over the years, many people have claimed that they could instantly repel mosquitoes if they eat certain foods. One of the most popular food repellants is garlic. However, many have also claimed that peppers, beans, lentils, bananas, and other foods and vitamins have the same mosquito-repellent effect as garlic.
While it is certainly an appealing thought, eating garlic and other food items won’t give you instant full-body immunity to mosquito bites. As of the time of this writing, there has not been any definitive scientific proof suggesting garlic and other foods can repel mosquitoes. Instead, if you are looking for an easy way to repel mosquitoes, you will need to call an experienced mosquito exterminator near you.
Creating A Mosquito-Repellent Environment On Your Roswell Property
If you want an effective and simple way to keep mosquitoes off your property, call Tuxedo Mosquito Control today. Our Roswell mosquito exterminators can help you develop an organic solution customized to fit your needs.