There are some people who can enjoy the great outdoors all day and not fall victim to a single mosquito bite. And then there are some people who can be outside for 30 minutes covered in repellent and still end up with itchy, red bites.
Ever wondered why mosquitoes bite? Here are some answers to questions about one of nature’s biggest pests.
Q: WHY DO MOSQUITOES BITE?
A: Only female mosquitoes bite. They need the protein in your blood, and that of other animals, to lay their eggs.
Q: WHY DO MOSQUITOES BITE SOME AND NOT OTHERS?
A: Mosquitoes really do prefer some people to others. There are an estimated 20 percent of people who are more desirable to mosquitoes, though mosquitoes don’t limit their feast to this number. There isn’t conclusive evidence as to why these 20 percent are bitten on a consistent basis, but there are a few factors that could play a role.
Q: WHY DO MOSQUITOES BITE ANKLES?
A: There are particular types of bacteria on your skin—about 400 different chemical compounds—that attract mosquitoes. These bacteria tend to build up on the skin covering your feet and ankles, which in turn attracts mosquitoes to these areas.
Q: WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID MOSQUITO BITES?
A: Bite avoidance techniques include:
Another way to avoid mosquito bites? Contact Terminix®. Our Mosquito Control service reduces mosquito populations by 90 percent in treated areas in just two to three weeks.*
Ever wondered why mosquitoes bite? Here are some answers to questions about one of nature’s biggest pests.
Q: WHY DO MOSQUITOES BITE?
A: Only female mosquitoes bite. They need the protein in your blood, and that of other animals, to lay their eggs.
Q: WHY DO MOSQUITOES BITE SOME AND NOT OTHERS?
A: Mosquitoes really do prefer some people to others. There are an estimated 20 percent of people who are more desirable to mosquitoes, though mosquitoes don’t limit their feast to this number. There isn’t conclusive evidence as to why these 20 percent are bitten on a consistent basis, but there are a few factors that could play a role.
Q: WHY DO MOSQUITOES BITE ANKLES?
A: There are particular types of bacteria on your skin—about 400 different chemical compounds—that attract mosquitoes. These bacteria tend to build up on the skin covering your feet and ankles, which in turn attracts mosquitoes to these areas.
Q: WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID MOSQUITO BITES?
A: Bite avoidance techniques include:
Another way to avoid mosquito bites? Contact Terminix®. Our Mosquito Control service reduces mosquito populations by 90 percent in treated areas in just two to three weeks.*
