Mosquitoes are one of the worst insects found in Bensalem and surrounding areas. These flying bugs bite both humans and animals to find the blood they use as a food source. One of the biggest dangers is that mosquitoes carry diseases, which they can transmit to their victims. In many cases, it takes just one bite.
Another potential issue is Skeeter Syndrome. Though it has a funny name, the condition refers to those who have a mosquito allergy and anyone who suffers a severe reaction to one of their bites. You'll often see swelling around the bite. The inflammation may reach the size of a quarter or become even larger. The reaction often leads to redness, pain, and itching, too. Though the swelling and pain go away within a few days or weeks, you may need to take allergy medication or speak to your doctor.
If you hate spending time outside because mosquitoes are so common, find out the connection between these bugs and foods. We'll help you see whether certain foods give you relief from mosquitoes and what you can do when you have an uncontrolled infestation on your hands.
WHY DO MOSQUITOES REACT TO CERTAIN FOODS?
Have you ever thrown a backyard barbecue or a birthday party outside and found the event ruined by biting and flying mosquitoes? You're not alone. Many people encountered the same problem when they tried to spend time outside, especially on mugged or humid days. One of the main things that attract mosquitoes is a water source. Any standard water becomes the perfect breeding ground for the bugs.
From a damaged gutter that allows water to pool around your foundation to a bird bath filled with rainwater, mosquitoes will find the water and set up camp. They also like outdoor spaces with lots of puddles and/or water features, such as a swimming pool or a fountain.
A study from 2018 found that humans were more susceptible to mosquitoes after eating bananas than grapes. The research indicates that the human diet has an impact on mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are also attracted to sugary foods because they use sugar as a survival mechanism. If they cannot get nectar from plants, they look for other sources of sugar. Treating all of your outdoor flowers and plants will help. The mosquitoes ingest the nectar and eat some of the insecticide, causing them to die.
CAN CERTAIN FOODS KILL MOSQUITOES?
You'll hear a lot of people claim home remedies will either kill or repel mosquitoes. Who wouldn't love to change their diet and watch mosquitoes die on the spot? Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way. You can douse your favorite foods with more garlic and even take garlic pills, but even in heavy doses, the seasoning won't kill mosquitoes. Topical repellents do not kill the bugs either, even those that contain DEET. You can keep swatting them away and add a bug zapper, but a complete treatment is the only way to kill mosquitoes.
When you call us, you get both a consultation and an inspection. We begin with a few questions about the mosquitoes you saw and where you spotted them. Let us know when the activity seems the worst, too. Our inspection allows our team to look for standing water and any other sources in your yard that attract these insects. Our treatment works at a distance of up to 100 feet away from your home. We focus on areas that include shady spots, areas with a lot of natural plants, and your deck or patio. Mosquito treatments both kill and repel the bugs.
WHAT FOODS KEEP MOSQUITOES AWAY?
While certain foods won't kill mosquitoes, can your diet keep them away? Maybe. The study from above found people who ate bananas suffered more bites than others. Despite the research, some still believe that bananas repel mosquitoes. Garlic is another popular home remedy. Though many claim eating more garlic or using garlic supplements will help, a study from 2005 found no change in the number of bites people had after eating garlic. Another study from 2005 disputed the use of Vitamin B supplements, too.
Other home remedies and foods that may help keep mosquitoes away, include:
▪ Milk ▪ Oranges and lemons ▪ Salt ▪ Apple cider vinegar ▪ Olive oil
Some also claim fruit peels work well. They say you should leave old peels around your yard and rub them on your skin. While lemon and orange peels will decompose and may benefit your lawn, they do nothing to repel mosquitoes. We've seen claims that drinking apple cider vinegar and adding a small amount to your pet's water dish will keep mosquitoes at bay, but no scientific evidence proves the claims. Using a topical repellent like a spray or lotion and treating your yard offers the one-two punch needed to keep mosquitoes away from you and your loved ones.
HOW TO USE FOOD TO PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES
If you aren't quite ready to call us, you can try to use food to prevent mosquito bites. Just don't expect to see the same results you would with a full yard treatment. One unexpected drink that prevents bites is water. As you get hot and sweat, your body releases pheromones that attract the bugs. Drinking water helps you stay cool, lowers your body temperature, and may make you less appealing to mosquitoes. Taking frequent breaks and wearing light clothing also works well.
When it comes to food, there aren't many that help you avoid bites. Lemongrass may work because it is naturally high in citronella, the same essential oil used in outdoor candles. You can both add it to your food and break the stalks open and apply the oil to your skin. The capsaicin found in chili peppers may also prevent mosquito bites. Mosquitoes along with other insects do not like the heat produced by the substance because it irritates their eyes and throats. Adding more spicy ingredients to your diet makes you less of a target.
Mosquito repellents also come in different forms, such as wipes, sprays, and lotions. Using a repellent with a minimum of 7% DEET will help. This protects your skin and repels mosquitoes for over an hour. Stay away from the expensive wearable items that claim they prevent mosquitoes as they usually do not work. Make sure you reapply the topical if you spend a lot of time outside.
DO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ATTRACT MOSQUITOES?
Does anything else beat relaxing in your backyard with a cold beer while you hang out with friends? Even if you prefer a glass of wine or a gin and tonic, the alcohol makes you more susceptible to mosquito bites. In 2002, researchers found that mosquitoes were more likely to bite people who drank a minimum of 350 ml of beer. While the control subject drank no alcohol and had few bites, those who drank beer had significantly more bites. Similar effects occur when people consume other alcoholic drinks.
It takes just one bottle of beer to turn your body into a mosquito-feeding ground. Though scientists aren't sure why it happens, some believe alcohol consumption increases the natural sugar found in the body, which attracts bugs. All forms of alcohol break down in the body and turn into sugar. Others point to the effects alcohol has on humans. When you drink, your body temperature rises. If you're already outside, you'll sweat more at the same time. If you don't want to give up your favorite drinks, talk with us to see how you can repel mosquitoes with the right treatment.
WILL SWEET OR SALTY FOODS ATTRACT MOSQUITOES?
Not only do the foods you eat attract mosquitoes, but you may attract them simply through the foods you serve. During outdoor parties and other events, you typically serve finger foods that are easy to eat and carry. Some believe mosquitoes prefer sweet and salty flavors. That is why you notice a bigger presence when you serve cake and other desserts along with chicken wings and pretzels.
Research indicates that bugs are more attracted to sweat and anything that appeals to their sense of smell. If you have high cholesterol or take steroids, they can leech out through your skin and pull those bugs to you. Mosquitoes also like the odor of carbon dioxide, which you release every time you breathe. While sweet and salty foods may attract mosquitoes, they usually look for more appealing odors.
HOW TO TREAT FOR MOSQUITOES
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we take our client's needs seriously. Don't spend another day or week struggling with the mosquitoes flying around your yard and wreaking havoc on your family and friends. While some foods may repel mosquitoes, other foods and drinks make you more attractive to them. Treating your yard is the only effective way to kill and repel mosquitoes. Schedule a free consultation with us and let us find the right time to inspect your Bensalem area yard to come up with the best treatment.
Our treatment works at a distance of up to 100 feet away from your home. We focus on areas that include shady spots, areas with a lot of natural plants, and your deck or patio. Mosquito treatments both kill and repel the insects.
