During the spring and summer, and on into the fall, you see insects flying, buzzing, and scampering about. They all seem to have a destination in mind. Where are they going? We hurry about our day with tasks to perform and obligations to meet, but sometimes something grabs our attention and we are drawn to that source. Whether it be a sound or scent, we need to find out what it is. Believe it or not, insects are the same way! They are attracted to smells, colors, and even light. We can use this information to our advantage when ridding our homes of pests.
What scents attract insects?
The moment we do anything that releases a smell of any kind, bugs of all sorts come out of nowhere. Ants, bees, mosquitoes, moths, and roaches are drawn to smells! Here are a few examples:
Sugary drinks
When outdoors, as soon as you pop a top, bees also want to take a sip. If you leave a soda sitting for too long or spill something, ants will surely find it and claim a share of the spoils.
Carbon dioxide
Mosquitoes and moths are most active at dawn and at dusk. They are attracted to the odor of the carbon dioxide that we exhale. Bees and gnats can also be attracted to the smell of our breath. Sweat is another body excretion that attracts insects.
Perfumes and lotions
Floral smells will trigger bee and mosquito senses. Be mindful of heavily scented lotions, soaps, hair care products, and even sunscreens.
Pheromones
This is a positive aspect of insect scent attraction. Many lures use pheromones to trap insects and keep them away. Moths, for instance, are greatly affected by pheromone lures.
Tips to keep smells and bugs to a minimum
When you have a patio BBQ or are about to take a snooze in your backyard hammock, here's how you'll keep critters that are attracted to smells at bay.
Cover your food and drinks. Use drink and food containers with a lid.
Clean up spills. Even when outdoors, clean up spills promptly. A spill is a welcome mat to all forms of insects.
Drink plenty of water. Water can limit the scent of carbon dioxide we emit. Soda and alcohol can amplify the scent. Maintaining good oral health can also help.
Watch what you wear. If you plan to be outdoors, going fragrance-free can keep pests from targeting you. Wearing light-colored clothing can also deter insects that are drawn to bright or dark colors. Lastly, skip lacing up your favorite sneakers; instead, slip on a pair of breezy sandals. Shoes hold all that mosquitoes love: sweat, body odor, and body heat.
Dr. Killigan can help you rid your home of unwanted guests
Dr. Killigan recommends three products when buggy noses have taken an interest in what you or your home has to offer.
Dr. Killigan’s Six Feet Under®
Our most popular on-contact toxic-free insect spray will quickly dispose of most insects when they invade your space. Six Feet Under does not contain harsh chemicals or pesticides. It is made with a mixture of soybean, clove, and castor oil and is 100% safe to use around pets, children, and food areas in your home.
Dr. Killigan’s premium Pantry Moth Traps®
Specifically designed for pantry moths, this toxic-free pheromone moth trap is a simple trifold design, with no glue touching involved. The powerful pheromone is mixed into the glue so you don’t have to deal with a separate wafer. Simply fold, set in place, and eliminate moths as they are drawn to its scent. With a stylish design, these traps will restore peace to you and your home by Killing Them Softly®.
Dr. Killigan’s premium Clothing Moth Traps®
Our Premium Clothing Moth Traps are designed exclusively for clothing moths. Like Dr. Killigan’s Premium Pantry Moth Traps, the powerful pheromone is mixed into the glue so you don’t have to deal with a separate wafer. With the same simple trifold design, you can ensure no glue touching is involved. These traps also include our patented hanger design to further simplify the process. Simply fold, hang, and eliminate moths as they are drawn to its scent.
Our team of professionals is dedicated to perfecting the art of Killing Them Softly. We have designed 100% toxic-free products that are not only safe, but are also created with style and restore your peace of mind.
We are continually raising the bar in toxic-free pest control remedies. All of our products come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, in a design that is pleasing to the eye. If you are not satisfied for any reason, please Contact Us. We will not hesitate to make things right.
