Are You A Mosquito Magnet?

Summertime is here and many folks will be spending more time in the great outdoors to spend some time with family, friends and nature. But are you prepared for mosquito season?

If you spend anytime at all outside, especially early morning and late afternoon, then you know what annoying creatures mosquitoes can be. But do you know what makes you so attractive to the little blood suckers?

There are over 2500 different species of mosquitoes throughout the world of which 150 species occur in the United States. But its only eight of the species that account for over 99% of complaints from the public.

All mosquitoes must have water in which to complete their life cycle (and we've had plenty of it recently). The water can range in quality from melted snow to sewage water and it can be in any container imaginable. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in any standing water they can find, such as tree holes that periodically hold water, tide water pools in marshes, sewage ponds, irrigated pastures, rain water ponds, etc.

The feeding habits of mosquitoes are quite unique in that it's only the adult females that bite humans and other animals. The male mosquitoes actually only feed on plant juices.

Female mosquitoes feed on not only humans, but other domesticated animals, such as cattle, horses, dogs, etc... all types of birds including chickens, all types of wild animals including deer, rabbits, etc... and they also feed on snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads.

So if you think that mosquitoes are annoying to you, you're not alone!

Mosquitoes are attracted to people and animals because of the heat signature you create as well as the carbon dioxide you emit. But that's not all that makes you look like an attractive meal to them?

Did you know having blonde hair will attract mosquitoes as well? It's true! Blondes attract more mosquitoes than brunettes according to studies.

On the flip side, what (if anything) can we do the help repel mosquitoes? I for one am usually covered in deet when in the back woods or a sunscreen / insect repellent combo when I spend lots of time outside, especially in the evening. But do you know how long your insect repellent lasts and how often should you re-apply to protect yourself? How about, what type of repellent is best? Be sure to check out the chart below with a lot of great info and product comparisons.