Mosquitos in Colorado

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Posted on: July 1st, 2016

We enjoy an active lifestyle here in Colorado, which means spending a lot of time outdoors. While enjoying our mountainous landscapes and beautiful weather, the last thing we want to deal with are pesky mosquitos.

Mosquitos are not only a nuisance to you and your Colorado landscape, but also pose a health risk to you and your family. Though not all mosquitos in Colorado carry diseases like the West Nile or Zika Virus, a bite is never pleasant. So what attracts mosquitos to biting you in the first place and what can you do to keep them away?

Mosquitos in Colorado

What Attracts Mosquitos:

Mosquitos have a strong sense of smell, and are particularly attracted to carbon dioxide (CO2). We produce CO2 when we exhale, which leaves a distinctive path for mosquitos to follow.
The mosquito’s strong sense of smell also directs them to nearby odors. Wearing floral perfumes or perspiring on a hot summer day will attract the bloodsuckers.
Mosquitos are most active between dawn and dusk and prefer to stay in shaded areas. By wearing dark clothing, they are more likely to go after you.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away:

Many solutions exist to help prevent mosquito bites. Here are just a few…

You can find natural repellents online or at your local health food stores. Alternatives to chemical repellents include burning citronella candles while sitting outdoors or wearing mosquito-repelling bracelets that help keep the mosquitos away.
Rubbing a lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit on your dog’s fur can help keep mosquitos from attacking your furry friend. Be sure to hit the vulnerable areas like the ears, nose, and tummy (stay away from the eyes and any cuts). This is a non-toxic option that should help keep the mosquitoes away and have Fido smelling fresh.
During the day, mosquitos like to rest in cool dark spaces to avoid the heat of the day. Ensuring that your trees and shrubs are trimmed can help reduce the amount of mosquitos in your yard.
Covering up in loose, light-colored clothing is a great way to prevent mosquito bites. Mosquitos are attracted to dark areas, so wear the opposite color—either white or neutral shades. Wearing loose fitting clothing creates a small barrier, which prevents mosquitos from contacting your skin. This is also a great alternative to a chemical mosquito repellent.

At the end of the day, don’t let mosquitos keep you from enjoying the Colorado outdoors. Be prepared.