Mosquitos bite certain people more than others. Only female mosquitos do the biting. Blood is used to produce eggs for reproduction. Many states brag about having the BIGGEST Squitos. The largest mosquito is from Asia, does not suck blood, and has a wingspan of 4 inches. 

Female mosquitos enjoy human blood, but their favorite blood is sucked from pigeons and doves. The mosquito’s proboscis or mouthpiece is coated with a saliva that numbs the skin, lubricates, and has an anti-blood coagulant. The familiar buzzing sounds are from high-speed wing flaps at 500 beats per second. They have been around for 100 million years.

Mosquitos are also a favorite food for small fish, bats, and other critters in the ecosystem. Many people try to use electronic bug lights to address mosquitos without success. This only works if a scent wafer is added to the light. Mosquitos do use light to navigate. Yellow and red lights are not seen by mosquitos.

Mosquitos seek out.

Type O blood   A, B, AB, people may not have to deal with mosquitos as much. They may be on the menu because of other attractants.

                Booze drinkers    Alcoholic beverages increase body temperature. Putting alcohol on a bite site is helpful though.

                Lactic Acid    The smell of lactic acid attracts squitos. Foods with high amounts of lactic acid are potatoes, peas, sauerkraut, beans, avocados, bananas, cheese, and spinach make prey tastier.

                Warm bodies    Heat attracts mosquitos. When prey exercises, and sweats, lactic acid is given off.

Snacks    Salty snacks invite hungry mosquitos. Bacon, French fries, chips, and meat sticks are tasty targets.

                Stink    Stinky bacteria from cheese, sweat, BO, or other fragrances invite mosquitos. Floral fragrances and perfume invite mosquitos as do hairsprays and soaps.

                CO2    Prey, like human’s exhale Carbon dioxide. Mosquitos zoom in for more than your bad breath.

Dark Colors    Darker colored clothing, hats, and tents/ gear attract mosquitos.

Getting bit is no fun. The itchy and swollen bumps can get easily scratched and infected. Squitos also spread a variety of diseases. For the worst-case scenarios, try covering all your skin with thin and comfortable clothes, sprayed with your choice of bug dope. Especially apply the repellent around cuffs, ankles, and collars. Remove your hat and spray away from your face.  Be careful around your eyes. Most insect repellants will also ruin fishing line and fly line. A bug net will also help.

Avoid getting bugged. Don’t invite the bite!

Montana Grant