Skip to content

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes seek environments conducive to breeding and feeding. For breeding, they are drawn to calm and stagnant water sources such as ponds, marshes, and water collected in outdoor items like playsets. For feeding, mosquitoes are enticed by human blood, exhaled breath, body odor, and even blood type. The phenomenon of certain individuals being more appealing to mosquitoes remains somewhat enigmatic, yet these insects seize any opportunity to feed.

Mosquitoes biting neck outdoors

Why Are Mosquitoes in My Yard?

Your yard can attract mosquitoes if it harbors standing water, a critical factor for their egg-laying process. In the warmer months, particularly in Flushing NY, mosquitoes gravitate towards bird baths, gardens, ponds, pools, and improperly drained gutters, among other places. The increase in temperature correlates with a rise in mosquito activity and breeding.

What Attracts Mosquitoes to Humans?

The mystery behind why mosquitoes prefer certain individuals over others revolves around three main attractants: breath, blood, and scent.

  1. Female mosquitoes, equipped with sensitive antennae, are attracted to the carbon dioxide humans exhale, detecting it from over 150 feet away. 
  2. Regarding blood, those with Type O blood might find themselves more frequently bitten, supported by research indicating blood type and genetics play roles in susceptibility. 
  3. Additionally, the scent plays a significant part; mosquitoes are drawn to specific bodily secretions like uric acid and lactic acid, as well as to those with higher body temperatures or who sweat more.

What Attracts Mosquitoes in Flushing NY?

For residents of Flushing NY battling with a mosquito-prone yard, especially when a family member is a mosquito magnet, the warmer seasons can be particularly challenging. It’s advisable to consult a professional pest control service to implement strategies to make your outdoor areas less inviting to mosquitoes well ahead of the peak mosquito season.

What Attracts Mosquitoes? Serving Flushing NY and Port Washington NY

New York City | Brooklyn | Queens | Bronx | Staten Island | New York County | Kings County | Bronx County | Richmond County | Nassau County | Suffolk County | Corona | Ridgewood | Canarsie | Flatbush | Upper West Side | East New York | Sunset Park

Enjoy the Outdoors!
Thermacell mosquito system logo in white
Learn More About Our New Mosquito Repellent System