December 2022 - Pest

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Month: December 2022

Mosquitoes are one of the most persistent insects you might be dealing with, and their unstoppable appetite drives them to bite all the time. But, did you notice that some people attract more mosquitoes while others are not bothered so much?

If you want to find out the science behind mosquito bites and what might be attracting them the most you are on the right page.

We have all the interesting details that explain why mosquitoes bite and offer the best ways to deal with those pesky biters. Let’s jump right in!

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Mosquito on skin

Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?

Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous insects on the planet but it’s good to know that only female mosquitoes bite humans and feed on their blood. Male mosquitoes like to eat fruit and flower nectar while females depend on human and animal blood for procreation. This might be a useful idea to explore while dealing with mosquito problems and their procreation process.

Mosquitoes might be small but their ability to transmit deadly diseases such as Malaria, Yellow and Dengue fever, Zika, and West Nile viruses makes them the most deadly pests. This is one of the reasons why so much research has been done and why we have all the information you need to keep mosquitoes away. Different species are attracted to different things, but there are a few common factors that seem to lure in mosquitoes everywhere, so keep on reading to find out more.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Before we dive into the detailed list of what attracts mosquitoes the most, let’s take a look at the research for the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association.

“Mosquito attraction responses to substances collected from human skin and placed on glass Petri dishes were studied. Mosquito response varied according to the source of the substance. Substances removed from the head and hands elicited the greatest attraction response in laboratory-reared mosquitoes. Mosquito response lasted up to 6 h when the substance was aged and was increased by warming the samples from ca. 25 degrees C to 37 degrees C. Of the 12 mosquito species studied, attraction response was greatest in Aedes aegypti.”

We can see that mosquitoes are definitely not attracted to all humans the same and a lot of the attraction depends on the smell and the temperature of the specimen. With this in mind, we have a comprehensive list of the most obvious and researched attractants that will make you a delicacy for mosquitoes.

Mosquito repellant

1. Clothes

Mosquitoes are attracted to certain colors that resemble the color of blood such as red and dark colors, and they also love floral and bright patterns. 

This means that if you want to be less appealing to mosquitoes you should wear neutral colors and loose-fitting clothes, as they can easily penetrate through the fabric and bite you if the clothes are tight enough.

2. Smell

Other than colors mosquitoes also rely on smell to find the perfect victim. 

This is why they will bite people who are sweating and exercising more, and also love to bite exposed places that have a fruity smell. In addition, if you are drinking beer it’s surely going to attract more mosquitoes as they will sense the yeasty and sweet smell on your skin, and unfortunately, pregnant women are also a great target because of the increased body temperature and blood flow.

So, you should be cautious with your perfumes and deodorants, but also try to sweat less in highly-populated areas or repel mosquitoes with airborne repellents that will mask your smell.

3. Blood type

Research tells us that mosquitoes are significantly more attracted to the O blood type and they prefer it over any other blood type in humans. These insects are more likely to land and bite people with the O blood type. If you know your blood type it’s a good idea to be extra cautious and apply more topical repellents to prevent mosquitoes from biting you and potentially transmitting diseases.
Mosquito biting

4. Standing water

Apart from direct attractions, you as an individual might have it’s also worth noting that mosquitoes like many other insects love standing water. They rely on any standing water for mating and egg development, so make sure you are not hanging around any lakes and bodies of water during summer, and that you keep your backyard dry and tidy. This can include even small water surfaces like dog bowls and puddles in the sandbox after rain.

5. Tall grass

Even though mosquitoes spend most of their time hunting and feeding they also need a place to rest and hide from predators. The tall grass and vegetation are a perfect spot for clusters of mosquitoes to hide in and wait for the opportunity to bite, feed on blood, and produce eggs.

So, in addition to avoiding tall grass areas in the summer, you also need to ensure your backyard is not cluttered, the grass is mowed and all the vegetation is trimmed and tidy. You can add a few bug zappers on your patio to lure in and kill all the mosquitoes that might be hanging around.

Find Professional Exterminators

Mosquitoes are one of the most persistent and dangerous insects that you can encounter in your home and garden. While there are solutions to deal with mosquitoes on your own, if the infestation becomes severe you should rely on professional exterminators.

The specialized teams are prepared with the right tools and experience to deal with any kind of pests, including mosquitoes. So, if you consider them to be too much of an issue for you to handle alone or you simply want to ensure the best results call your local exterminators.

Cockroaches are commonly thought of as pests, but did you realize they may also be dangerous to your health? 

These insects are known to transport and transmit infections that can cause a variety of ailments in humans. So, it’s not just unpleasant to see a roach crawling through your home, but they are actually more dangerous than other pests such as bed bugs. 

In this post, we’ll look at the link between cockroaches and food-borne pathogens and talk about how you can protect yourself and your family from these harmful bacteria.

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Cockroaches carrying diseases.

Cockroaches and Food Poisoning

Cockroaches can transport and spread food-borne illnesses because they scavenge for food in the garbage, sewers, and other unclean areas. They can carry hazardous bacteria and other organisms on their legs and bodies, then transfer these diseases to food or contaminate surfaces in food preparation areas when they crawl over them.

Roaches love to hang out in human homes because there is always an abundance of food and plenty of places to hide. This is especially true during winter when roaches and other pests seek shelter in your warm home.

When bacteria the roaches leave behind are consumed, they can produce a variety of food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Food poisoning can cause major consequences such as renal failure, dehydration, and even death in extreme cases.

It is crucial to remember that not all cockroaches transmit food-borne infections and that cockroaches do not cause all cases of food poisoning. The presence of cockroaches in a food preparation area, on the other hand, is a clear symptom of inadequate hygiene and should be treated quickly to prevent the spread of potentially hazardous microorganisms.

Cockroach on food.

As Eric S Donkor researches in his study:

“Food-borne disease is a widespread and escalating public health problem globally. About a quarter of the microorganisms isolated from cockroaches are food-borne pathogens including Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi, Rotavirus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptosporidium parvum. Thus, cockroaches could be an important reservoir and mechanical vector of food-borne pathogens.”

Food Poisoning Symptoms Caused by Cockroaches

Food poisoning symptoms vary based on the organism involved, however, some frequent symptoms include:

  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Cramps and discomfort in the stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Appetite loss

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they might emerge hours or days after eating infected food. Food poisoning can sometimes lead to more serious issues, such as renal failure, dehydration, and even death. 

If you suspect you have food poisoning, get medical assistance as soon as possible. But even if you don’t have any symptoms yet but you do notice a few roaches in your home, deal with them as soon as possible with roach glue traps or call professional pest control.

Food poisoning from roaches

What Are the Most Common Cockroach Diseases?

While not all cockroaches carry diseases, several species have been linked to a variety of disorders in humans. 

The following are some of the most frequent cockroach-borne diseases:

  • Salmonellosis is a kind of food poisoning caused by the bacterium Salmonella, which is frequently found in cockroach excrement. Diarrhea, fever, stomach pains, and vomiting are all symptoms.
  • Dysentery is an intestinal infection caused by the bacteria Shigella, which is commonly carried by cockroaches. Symptoms include bloody or mucousy diarrhea, fever, and stomach discomfort.
  • Cholera is a potentially fatal infection of the small intestine caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholera. This bacteria can be carried by cockroaches on their legs and spread to food and water sources. Watery diarrhea, vomiting, and muscular cramps are among the symptoms.
  • E. coli infection is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). This bacterium may be carried by cockroaches on their legs and spread to food and water sources. Diarrhea, stomach pains, and vomiting are common symptoms.
  • Gastroenteritis is a broad word for stomach and intestinal inflammation. A number of infections, including those spread by cockroaches, can cause it. Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pains are among the symptoms.

How to Prevent Cockroaches from Spreading Diseases?

Here are some suggestions to keep cockroaches from transmitting disease:

particularly in the kitchen and food preparation areas. Cockroaches and other pests will find it less appealing as a result. You can always add some Diatomaceous Earth Powder with a long nozzle duster in areas that might have roaches as it’s a safe solution for your family and pets.

To keep cockroaches from foraging for food, keep food in sealed containers and dispose of rubbish on a regular basis. Keep the leftovers in the fridge and deal with the infestation as soon as possible.

Repair any leaks or plumbing issues that might supply cockroaches with a source of moisture. To keep cockroaches out of your home, seal any holes or gaps in the walls, flooring, or baseboards.

To control and remove cockroach infestations, use bait stations, traps, or pesticides.

It’s also crucial to maintain basic kitchen hygiene, which includes thoroughly washing your hands before handling food and frequently cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and equipment. This will aid in the prevention of the spread of hazardous infections, whether carried by cockroaches or not.

Call Professional Exterminators

If you have a roach infestation, it is best to call an exterminator as soon as possible. Roaches can carry diseases and can be difficult to get rid of on your own. An exterminator will be able to assess the extent of the infestation and recommend the best course of action to get rid of the roaches and prevent them from coming back. If you see one or two roaches, it may be worth trying to get rid of them on your own, but if you are seeing several roaches regularly, it is best to call an exterminator.
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