Make Your Home Less Attractive To Mosquitoes With One Simple Addition

Many different things make people yearn for the warmer months of the year, but mosquitoes are definitely not one of them. And, to make matters worse, mosquito season keeps starting earlier and earlier. These pestering little flies have a habit of storming homes in search of food, which unfortunately just so happens to include human blood. If the itchiness and possible transmission of dangerous diseases weren't bad enough, then their constant high-pitched buzzing near your ear while you're trying to fall asleep is sure to drive you insane. Thankfully, you can fight them off with a simple addition to your space, a dehumidifier.

High humidity levels could be attracting mosquitoes into your home. These insects thrive in humid conditions, needing water to stay active, survive, and reproduce. This is why regions with warm, wet climates have higher mosquito populations. However, regardless of the weather conditions where you live, if you have humidity problems in your home, this could attract mosquitoes, as well as provide the ideal conditions for breeding. A dehumidifier can be a very effective first step in controlling the issue and keeping mosquitoes at bay. 

While dehumidifiers don't directly repel mosquitoes, they can make their lives a little harder, forcing them to go elsewhere to feed and reproduce. You should prioritize reducing humidity in the areas of your home where moisture and water use is most prevalent, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Any rooms facing east and north will also be more humid as they receive less direct sunlight, as will unventilated areas like attics and crawl spaces. For smaller homes, the hallway can be a very efficient place for a dehumidifier since it is central and receives airflow from multiple rooms, provided doors remain open. Additionally, make sure not to lean your dehumidifier against walls or furniture, which will block its vents and consequently hurt its efficiency.

Be careful not to overuse your dehumidifier and regularly check if the humidity levels in your home are good. You should never let it drop below 30%, since low humidity air can dry your skin, lips, and respiratory system, leading to irritation or even health complications. 

For mosquito prevention, dehumidifiers are most effective when paired with other control methods, such as using repellent and emptying any and all containers with standing water, including toothbrush holders, soap dishes, pet bowls, and even the dehumidifier collection bucket itself. Such undisturbed pools of water are mosquitoes' favorite places to lay eggs.