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According to the American Mosquito Control Association, over a million people in the world die because of a mosquito-borne illness every year.

Mosquitoes not only carry illnesses but can transfer various pests and severe diseases—like the West Nile virus or dog heartworm—from pets and other animals. According to Reuters, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported of 96,075 illnesses caused by mosquito, flea and tick bites in the US back in 2016.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what attracts a mosquito and how you can prevent mosquito bites.

Heat

Mosquitoes are drawn to heat. If you have a high body temperature, they’ll naturally be attracted to you. People who generate more body heat may include: athletes, pregnant women, overweight people, etc.

Sweat

Just finished your gym session? Beware of the mosquitoes around you. Sweating makes you prone to mosquito bites as mosquitoes are attracted to moist places; they reproduce in such areas.

Carbon Dioxide

Among other things, mosquitoes are also attracted to CO₂ rich places. They select their target following their carbon dioxide output.

Athletes and other people with vigorous exercise regimen have greater carbon dioxide production for short periods after their routines. This can attract mosquitoes and result in bites.

Dark-Colored Clothing

If you’re wearing bright or dark-colored clothing, it’ll make you an easy target for mosquitoes. Having poor vision, mosquitoes look for silhouettes to locate victims.

Wearing Perfumes

Mosquitoes are attracted to fragrances, especially floral ones. So next time you’re going out in the outdoors, go easy on the perfume.

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption can cause your skin to give off certain chemicals that mosquitoes find attractive. Moreover, alcohol can increase your body temperature, which is also another factor in attracting mosquitoes.

How To Prevent Mosquito Bites

In order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, use these tips to avoid mosquito bites.

• Before going outdoors, apply insect repellents that contain DEET or picaridin.
• When going outdoors, wear socks, long pants and sleeves to cover your skin. For further protection, you can use the insecticide Permethrin on your clothes to keep insects away.
• Install screens in your home to keep mosquitoes from entering.
• Regularly remove stagnant water from gutters, birdbaths, pool covers, etc.
• Use bed nets to protect from mosquito bites while camping in the outdoors.
• If your locality is infested with mosquitoes, invest in exterminator servicesto make your home mosquito-free.

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At Xterminator, we offer reliable exterminator and pest control services. Contact us now to call in one of our expert.