Busted by the Experts at J&J Pest Control
Mosquitoes are more than just a summertime nuisance—they’re also one of the world’s most dangerous pests due to their ability to transmit serious diseases. But despite how common they are, there’s still a lot of misinformation floating around about mosquitoes and how to keep them away.
At J&J Pest Control, we believe that education is a key part of prevention. So we’re setting the record straight on 12 of the most common mosquito myths we hear from homeowners. Some are harmless, but others could be putting you—and your family—at risk.
🦟 1. All Mosquitoes Bite People
False. Only female mosquitoes bite, and only because they need the nutrients in blood to develop their eggs. Male mosquitoes feed solely on nectar and plant juices.
🩸 2. Mosquitoes Prefer Certain Blood Types
While some studies have suggested links between blood type and mosquito attraction, it’s not the whole story. Body odor, carbon dioxide, skin bacteria, sweat, and even the color of your clothing play a bigger role. (Pro tip: Avoid red, orange, and black outdoors—they’re mosquito magnets.)
👕 3. Clothing Protects You From Bites
Thin or tight-fitting clothing won’t stop a determined mosquito. They can bite through lightweight fabrics. Instead, wear loose, tightly woven clothing, or try gear that’s been treated with insect repellent.
🌞 4. Mosquitoes Only Bite at Night
Not true. While many species are most active at dusk and dawn, others—like the Aedes aegypti common in Texas—bite during the day, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
🧴 5. Repellents Don’t Really Work
Repellents do work—but they must be applied correctly. Look for EPA-registered ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. And remember to reapply after sweating, swimming, or extended time outdoors.
🦠 6. All Mosquitoes Spread Disease
There are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes, and not all of them transmit diseases. But you can’t tell the difference by looking at them—so reducing your exposure is always the safest option.
💧 7. Mosquitoes Only Breed in Dirty Water
This is a dangerous myth. Mosquitoes can breed in any standing water, clean or dirty. A bottle cap’s worth is enough. After a rainstorm, empty flowerpots, toys, birdbaths, and anything else that can collect water.
🌿 8. Natural Products Work Just as Well as Sprays
Citronella candles and essential oil sprays can offer short-term relief, but they don’t compare to traditional repellents when it comes to lasting protection. If you’re going to be outside for more than an hour, you’ll need something stronger.
🧄 9. Eating Garlic Will Repel Mosquitoes
As much as we wish this were true—nope. There’s no scientific proof that garlic, spicy food, or vitamin B1 prevents mosquito bites. Stick with topical repellents for proven protection.
💀 10. Mosquitoes Die After They Bite
Unlike bees, mosquitoes don’t die after biting. A single female can bite multiple people or animals in one day and potentially spread disease across all of them.
🛑 11. If You Don’t Feel the Bite, It’s Not Dangerous
You might not notice the bite—but you could still be at risk. Mosquitoes inject saliva while feeding, and that’s how viruses and parasites are spread, often before you even realize you’ve been bitten.
🏡 12. Backyard Mosquito Treatments Eliminate Them Completely
Professional mosquito control reduces the population—it doesn’t eliminate every last one. Because mosquitoes can travel and breed quickly, ongoing maintenance and habitat reduction are key.
What Actually Works?
✅ Remove standing water
✅ Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
✅ Use proven repellents
✅ Schedule professional mosquito control
At J&J Pest Control, our mosquito treatment plans are designed to drastically reduce populations around your home, so you can enjoy your yard again without worrying about bites or diseases.
Ready to Take Mosquito Season Seriously?
📞 Call us today at 512-452-2401 or request a quote online.
We’ll help you take back your outdoor space—one mosquito at a time.