Whether you enjoy watching the sunset or planning neighborhood barbeques, being outside during the warmer months is a great pastime. However, when it comes to the company, preparing for uninvited guests can consist of more than grabbing a few extra chairs and plates. Mosquitoes are not only complex insects that have plagued summer cookouts for hundreds of years, but they're also some of the deadliest pests to have around. Many common species carry diseases like the West Nile Virus, Zika, and dengue.

Luckily, even though the American Mosquito Control Association estimates there are about 3,000 species of mosquitoes, there are less than 200 in the U.S and less than 10% of those are considered germ carriers. However, it's still important to know how you can reduce your risk of attracting them and how a professional can help you control the population around your home.

For starters, it's important to note that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention lists the following chemicals as being effective for repelling insects: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), Para-menthane-diol (PMD), 2-undecanone. When you're shopping for a short-term solution for a camping trip or hiking adventure, make sure the product you choose contains at least one of these ingredients.

While it's only the females that take a bite out of almost anyone they pass by, a few people are at a higher risk. These pests are specifically attracted to the carbon dioxide from our breath and the lactic acid and heat from our bodies. The most common myth is that people with "sweeter blood" attract mosquitoes - however, the "taste" has nothing to do with it. Some studies show that pregnant women, people with type O blood, and those drinking alcohol can be more attractive for these biters. Foods like garlic and onion have been shown to reduce attraction as well as using orange or vanilla extract; eating foods high in salt and potassium can bring the swarm right to you.

The Aedes vexans and Culex pipiens mosquitoes are more likely to bother you during the early morning or right after dusk because of their aversion to heat. If you're finding an increase in attacks throughout the warmer months, an industry expert can help you locate the problem areas around your house. Places that frequently have standing water, clogged gutters, and organic debris are popular breeding grounds around your home that could be contributing to increased pests. However, if you seem to be getting bitten during the day, The Asian Tiger Mosquito has made its way back to Indiana.

When it comes to pest control and making your warm evenings more enjoyable, your first step to taking back your time should be to talk with the #1 rated pest control company in the Muncie area. Bug Off Pest Pros is available to help you and your household identify, exterminate, and exclude possible problem areas around your yard and home. Contact us for more information and let us remove the target from your back and home.