What Attracts Mosquitoes in Central TN?

Mosquitoes are attracted to areas with stagnant water. This means ponds, marshes, pools, play sets – areas you might find in a typical backyard. They do this because they need water to reproduce. Another thing they need to reproduce is blood. Without blood, they lack the nutrients necessary to lay eggs.

Mosquitoes are attracted to your blood through your breath, your scent, and even your blood type! It is still a mystery why some people tend to be “mosquito magnets”, but there could be a variety of factors at play.

Why Are Mosquitoes in My Yard?

In the spring and summer in Central TN, mosquitoes will most commonly be found near bird baths, gardens, ponds, play sets, gutters, pools, spas, and other areas with standing water.

Once they locate standing water, they will happily lay their eggs in it. Mosquitoes are especially abundant in the warmer parts of the year, which is when you may see an increase in their activity in your yard.

What Attracts Mosquitoes to Humans?

Do you know someone who is prone to mosquito bites? Or are you that person yourself? Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer to what attracts mosquitoes to certain humans more than others.

But there are three main things we know mosquitoes are attracted to:

Breath: Female mosquitoes possess long antennae and organs that sense odor. They’re highly attuned to carbon dioxide, which is produced when someone exhales. A high concentration of carbon dioxide can be detected by mosquitoes more than 150 feet away. This accounts for the initial attraction to humans nearby.
Blood: Mosquitoes use their piercing proboscis to suck the blood up. But are mosquitoes more attracted to people based on their blood type? Researchers have demonstrated that, yes, individuals with Type O blood may be more susceptible to bites than those with Type A. In addition, scientists have concluded that genetic make-up can account for many of the factors that make someone more prone to mosquito bites.
Scent: Research has shown that mosquitoes are more attracted to certain scents. Uric acid, lactic acid, and ammonia released from the glands in your skin can attract mosquitoes. Therefore, those that have a higher body temperature or perspire more often are more attractive to mosquitoes. Even floral fragrances and perfumes can be attractive to these insects.