Mosquitos Suck – Here’s How To Deal With Them

"I'm a sucker for you, yeah
Any road you take, you know that you'll find me."

-Jonas Bros., Sucker (a song not remotely about mosquitos)

Lots of rain in the Tri-Cities means higher levels in area waters. Heck, in some cases, it means new bodies of water. Every pond, every puddle, every murky pool-cover is a breeding ground for the most annoying of flying insects - the Mosquito!

What Attracts Mosquitos?

1. Exhaling. When you breathe out, a chemical know as Octen is emitted, this attracts mosquitos. Heavy breathers are especially popular with these tiny vampiric bugs. So if you can stop breathing out, you may stay mosquito free.
2. Body Odor, particularly that sweet-sweet sweat with a citrusy smell. Yes, that's a thing. It's called Sulcatone.
3. Heat. Mosquito season is not a good time to go through menopause, as body heat is another way that they find their prey. Wear an Igloo Cooler on your head if it helps.

Mosquitos also have big eyes, grandma, all the better to see you with if their other senses fail them, which they won't.

"I'm an all-day sucker."

-Stevie Wonder, All Day Sucker (also not about mosquitos)

 

Are Mosquitos Dangerous?

They can be. Mosquitos have been known to carry diseases such as:

1. West Nile Virus.
2. St. Louis Encephalitis
3. Lyme Disease
4. Malaria
5. Dog Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)

And more.

"Hold me closer, tiny vampire.

Suck my blood in the Tri-Cities..."

-Not Elton John, and definitely not Tiny Dancer

 

How Do I Get Rid of Mosquitos?

1. Bug zappers. But they're not foolproof, and the nasty suckers may still get a chance to "bite" you before they bite the dust.
2. Frequently replace (or get rid of) the water they breed in, such as bird bath water.
3. Mosquito spray is a long-lasting do-it-yourself solution. Think of it as weed-killer for mosquitos.
4. Experts like Benton County Mosquito Control Dept. can do larviciding for you.
5. Introduce predators to the pest's breeding ground, such as "Mosquitofish." While this may not be practical, it certainly qualifies as a fun fact. I mean, Mosquitofish? Who knew?

Finally, bug repellents are a camping staple, and can reduce your chances of getting bitten. So lather up and enjoy the great outdoors! Us? We're itching just looking at these pictures.

via GIPHY