Mosquitoes are one of the more annoying pests that you can encounter, and insects will become more active as spring approaches. They also might make you sick as well as feel itchy when they bite. According to the CDC, about a dozen of the more than 200 varieties of mosquitoes in the United States transmit germs and diseases. Being well informed about these insects will help you stay on top of potential infestations and know when to contact your local pest control professionals. Here's what's more likely to attract mosquitoes so you know what to look for and correct to minimize your exposure to mosquito bites.

Standing Water

Mosquitoes love standing water that doesn't flow and makes an ideal location to lay their eggs. Mosquitoes often lay their eggs in brackish water in swamps where they are more likely to hatch and have a ready food source. They also like water that accumulates inside discarded items, such as old tires that hold rainwater and prevent the sun from drying them out. One of the best ways you can initiate mosquito control is to keep your property tidy and drain any standing water. If you still notice a lot of mosquitos on your property after taking these measures, be sure to call in reliable pest control professionals.

Excess Ground Cover

If you have a lot of thick brush and undergrowth on or near your property, that's also an ideal place for mosquitoes to breed and stay hidden until the sun goes down. The brush and ground cover protect them from the sun and hold more moisture than a well-maintained lawn you might mow once a week. Removing overly abundant weeds or brush near your home is a great way to undertake mosquito control and avoid getting bit. Make sure to contact professionals for this service to ensure it's completed properly and efficiently.

Body Sweat and Odor

The more you sweat and give off body odor, the more likely mosquitoes will catch your scent and come looking for a blood meal. If you're highly active and spend a lot of time outside, you should keep a good supply of mosquito repellent on hand to help drive them away from you. You also might hang a bug zapper or two that will help reduce the local mosquito population so there are fewer of them looking to feed.

Carbon Dioxide When You Exhale

Many pests can detect the carbon dioxide that humans and animals exhale. They know the CO2 is likely coming from something that's living and breathing, which means a blood meal is nearby. If you're engaged in strenuous activity, you're going to breathe in more often and exhale more CO2, which makes it more likely hungry mosquitoes will come around.

Mosquitoes can be extremely irritating and difficult to avoid. However, these tips should help prevent these pests from bothering you. If mosquitoes are eating your family alive, call Barrett Pest & Termite Services today to learn more and schedule our mosquito control services.