Mosquitos

In the song “The End,” Jim Morrison of The Doors sang, the killer awoke before dawn. Could he have been speaking of the creature that kills more people than any other and just happens to be most active at dawn, the mosquito? In Central Oklahoma, there is little concern that a bite will result in malaria, but even the local species can carry West Nile Virus, Zika, and dengue. The bad news is that there are over 200 species of the incessant buzzer in the United States, but the good news is that only 12 of these are known to be germ carriers. And unless you are the type to carry a microscope with you, you won’t be able to tell one from another. 

If you feel like you are one big mosquito target and come away with many bites when those around you escape bug-free, you may be one. For starters, people with type O blood have twice the likelihood of being bitten as those with type A blood.

If you are active outdoors, you are openly inviting the bloodsucker to feast. An increase in body temperature increases the amount of carbon dioxide produced, and that is one of the substances mosquitoes use to track us down. If drinking a beer or 2 to cool down is your thing, think again. A study showed that men who drink beer attract more mosquitoes than those who do not. 

Unfortunately, some of these attractants, such as blood type, the combination of chemicals we release with carbon dioxide, and the smell of our sweat, can’t be changed. There are some things we do, though, that put us on the pest’s radar. A diet high in salt and potassium can cause them to rain down on you. Some clothes and some perfumes are also known attractants. Some dietary items can also have repellent qualities. Try eating garlic (keeps vampires and friends away), onions (which may keep your friends away), and/or rub your skin with orange peels, wintergreen oil, peppermint oil, or a vanilla extract solution.

While most mosquitoes are active during the early morning and at dusk because they don’t like the heat, the people of Oklahoma have no escape. Approximately 90% of daytime mosquito bites in this area are caused by the Asian Tiger Mosquito, which is one of the most common species in Oklahoma. They are very skittish and take off at the slightest movement, rarely biting a moving target.

If mosquitoes on your property have become unbearable or the constant buzzing keeps you awake all night, give us a call at 405.534.4344. New Science Pest Management, the team Okies trust. We utilize the latest pest control technology to resolve your pest issues.