OFF!^® + Reddit AMA: Mosquito and Tick FAQ and Expert Prevention Tips

I think we can find you a different party trick.

While there's not always one exact reason someone gets bitten more than others, we do know mosquitoes use a whole menu of cues to find warm-blooded hosts. They're attracted to carbon dioxide we exhale, body heat, sweat, certain body odors, and visual contrast, which is one reason darker clothing can sometimes attract more attention. The bacteria that naturally live on your skin can also play a role.

What I usually tell people is that it's probably not one single trait that makes you attractive to mosquitoes – it's your overall "mosquito signal" based on a combination of factors.

Blood type gets a lot of attention, and some studies have explored whether people with Type O blood are more attractive to mosquitoes. But the evidence is mixed, and it's likely just one small piece of a much bigger puzzle.

A few simple steps can help: wear light-colored clothing when practical and apply an EPA-registered repellent before heading outdoors.

Hopefully next time, the dessert is the only thing everyone is gathering around.

I’m glad it’s worked for you in the past, but with repellents, my advice is always to follow the directions on the label. All DEET repellents from OFF!^® are labelled for and most effective when applied to exposed skin, so it's important to use them as directed.

One thing I wouldn't recommend is applying repellent underneath clothing. Beyond that, the label is your best guide for getting the protection you're expecting.

In general, DEET can be used around natural fibers such as cotton and wool. If you're concerned about synthetic materials, technical fabrics, plastics, or outdoor gear, you may want to consider a picaridin-based repellent like OFF!^® Clean Feel instead, but it's not labeled for use on clothing either.

If you're heading into an area with lots of mosquitoes, a combination of protective clothing and an EPA-registered repellent provides a strong layered defense.

Finally, someone is asking the important questions!

The honest answer is: maybe, but probably not in the way you’re imagining.

Mosquito biology is actually more interesting than most people expect. Fun fact: mosquito larvae live in water and breathe through an opening near their butt that sticks up to the surface. And when some adult female mosquitoes take a blood meal, they'll be "pooping" at the same time. That's because they're getting rid of excess water so they can concentrate the blood in their stomachs and pack in more of the nutrients they need.

As for whether mosquitoes fart, they're tiny insects with tiny digestive systems, so any gas produced would be microscopic.

To my knowledge, no one has ever complained about being bothered by a mosquito fart.

Mosquito bites? Different story.

You're not imagining it. The CDC recently reported that ER visits for tick bites are higher than normal in many parts of the U.S., with some regions seeing the highest rates for this time of year in almost a decade.

One thing I always remind people is that ticks aren't just a hiking trail problem. They can be found in wooded areas, tall grass, leaf litter, and even your own backyard. I like to say, "ticks love the places you do."

Whether you're gardening, hanging out in the backyard, or heading out for a hike, think in layers: use an effective EPA-registered repellent like OFF!^® Deep Woods Aerosol, wear long pants when you're in tick habitat, stay on cleared paths when possible, and do a thorough tick check when you come back indoors.

The ticks may be persistent, but there's no reason to make it easy for them.

I don't blame him!

The good news is that repellents can be very effective when used as directed. For a 5-year-old, I recommend choosing an EPA-registered repellent and following the label instructions carefully. OFF!^® for Adults & Kids repellents, for example, is proven effective and uses picaridin for a better skin feel, and is suitable for children 1 year and older.

A few practical tips: adults should apply the repellent, especially around the face (spray it onto your hands first, then apply), avoid the eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin, and don't apply repellent underneath clothing. Washing treated skin after coming indoors is also a good habit.

If mosquitoes are especially active, lightweight long sleeves or pants can provide another layer of protection.

Hopefully after a few less buggy adventures, he'll decide shorts aren't so bad after all.

Some headlines written about one study certainly got people's attention, but I'm not concerned about DEET losing its effectiveness based on that research.

What the researchers found was that mosquitoes could "learn" to associate DEET with a blood meal under very specific laboratory conditions. That's scientifically interesting, but it doesn't mean DEET stopped working or that mosquitoes became better at biting people protected with DEET in real-world conditions.

While this is an example of a highly controlled laboratory study showing temporary changes in mosquito responsiveness, that's very different from suggesting mosquitoes in the wild are evolving into DEET-proof superbugs.

As scientists, we always pay attention to new research, but based on the evidence we have today, DEET remains one of the most thoroughly studied and effective repellent ingredients available.

You may be getting bitten more than other people, but it also sounds like you may be reacting more strongly to those bites.

Those little welts are caused by your body's immune response to proteins in mosquito saliva. Some people have a much more noticeable reaction than others, which can make it seem like they're getting attacked by every mosquito in the neighborhood. If scratching is part of the problem, products like OFF!^® for Adults & Kids Post-Bite Patches can help protect the irritated area from scratching after a bite has occurred.

As for why mosquitoes seem to love certain people, it's usually a combination of factors like body odors, carbon dioxide, body heat and sweat - not anything you're doing wrong.

If you're a self-described mosquito magnet, your best bet is to be proactive: apply an EPA-registered repellent before heading outdoors and don't wait until the mosquitoes find you first.

Good news: your marriage is safe.

When a mosquito bites, it isn't injecting someone else's blood into the next person it bites. In fact, mosquitoes have separate pathways for taking blood in and injecting saliva, which is what helps them feed.

So no, a mosquito can't make you blood relatives. If that were possible, one summer barbecue could be quite awkward.

The real concern isn't accidental mosquito matchmaking – it's that some mosquito species can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, dengue, or Zika under the right conditions.

Chiggers (what we call red bugs in my home state of Louisiana) are terrible. Full stop.

One of the biggest myths about chiggers is that they burrow into your skin. They don't. Chiggers are tiny mite larvae, often so small they're difficult to see, and the itchy bumps that appear later are your body's reaction to their feeding.

They tend to be found in grassy, brushy, weedy, or damp shaded areas, and they often attach around sock lines, waistbands, ankles, or behind the knees.

The best approach is prevention. If you're spending time outdoors, use an EPA-registered repellent and follow the label directions. Products like OFF!^® Deep Woods aerosol are labeled and effective at repelling chiggers when used as directed.

If you do end up with bites, I'd recommend following guidance from your healthcare provider if you're having a significant reaction.

First, I'm glad your Rocky Mountain spotted fever was caught in time, and I'm sorry you're dealing with alpha-gal syndrome. That sounds incredibly challenging.

I'm an entomologist and not a physician, but I can say there's growing scientific interest in alpha-gal syndrome. Unlike Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which are bacterial infections, alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic response that can develop after certain tick bites.

In the U.S., alpha-gal syndrome is most commonly associated with lone star ticks, although researchers continue to study the potential role of other tick species as well.

As for vaccines or treatments, research is active, but there is currently no approved vaccine or cure for alpha-gal syndrome. Scientists are continuing to study possible treatment approaches, and we're still learning a great deal about the condition.

Your experience is also a powerful reminder that tick bites can have consequences beyond the bite itself. That's why I encourage people to take tick prevention seriously by using an EPA-registered tick repellent labelled for ticks, avoiding high-risk areas when possible, and doing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.

That would certainly make things easier.

Right now, there isn't a medication you can take to reliably prevent mosquito or tick bites. There is ongoing research into vaccines for tick-borne diseases, including a current Lyme disease vaccine candidate in development. But it has not been approved yet by the FDA.

Even if a Lyme vaccine becomes available, it's important to remember that Lyme disease is just one of several tick-related health concerns. Ticks can also be associated with alpha-gal syndrome, Powassan virus disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more.

Blood type gets a lot of attention, and some studies suggest people with Type O blood may be more attractive to mosquitoes. But it's likely just one small piece of a much bigger puzzle.

As for blood sugar, it doesn't appear to be a major factor in attraction. Mosquitoes aren't choosing people because their blood is sweeter. They're following a mix of cues like carbon dioxide from your breath, body heat, skin odors, sweat chemistry, and visual contrast.

For now, using an EPA-registered repellent labelled for mosquitoes and ticks remains one of the most effective ways to help prevent bites

Ticks seem to enjoy walks almost as much as dogs do!

OFF!^® repellents are intended for use on people, so I would not apply them directly to your dog.

For dogs, I'd recommend talking with your veterinarian about tick prevention products designed and approved for dog use. There are several options available, and your vet can help determine what's best for your pet.

No matter which prevention strategy you use, it's still a good idea to give your dog a quick tick check after walks, especially around the ears, neck, between the toes, and under the collar.

Your husband sounds like he's been taking one for the team!

As for why mosquitoes seem to prefer some people, they're actually pretty sophisticated. They use a combination of cues, including body odors, carbon dioxide, and body heat, to find hosts. Some people simply stand out more than others.

When it comes to what really works, I'm a big believer in prevention. Using an EPA-registered repellent before heading outdoors is one of the most effective ways to help prevent mosquito and tick bites.

And for ticks, I wouldn't call anything foolproof. The best approach is to layer your defenses: use an EPA-registered tick repellent, wear appropriate clothing, and do a thorough tick check when you come back indoors.

Now we’re getting into the good questions!

There are more than 200 mosquito species in the United States alone, and different species can be active at different times of year and in different environments. That's one reason your experience can vary between a city, suburb, hiking trail, or even from early summer to late summer. Some mosquito species prefer birds, some prefer people, and some respond more strongly to certain host cues than others.

As for the welts, that's usually more about you than the mosquito. Those itchy bumps are your body's immune response to proteins in mosquito saliva. Some people react more strongly than others, and even the same person can have different reactions from bite to bite. In some cases, a mosquito that feeds longer may inject more saliva and trigger a larger reaction.

The good news is that EPA registered mosquito repellents are designed to work broadly so you don't need a different strategy for every mosquito you encounter.

Thank you, I appreciate that.

You're right. Alpha-gal syndrome wasn't part of many people's vocabulary a few years ago. Today, it's one of the most talked about tick-related health concerns, and awareness has grown significantly among both the public and healthcare professionals.

Part of that conversation is being driven by the expanding range of lone star ticks, which are most commonly associated with alpha-gal syndrome in the United States. Historically concentrated in the Southeast, they've increasingly been reported in parts of the Midwest and Northeast as well. Tennessee has certainly been part of that conversation.

As an entomologist, I think it's a good example of why tick education matters. The more we learn about ticks and the health risks associated with them, the better equipped people are to protect themselves and their families.

Nope, no idea what that is but it sounds foul haha

That said, I've actually eaten quite a few insects over the years. Grasshoppers and crickets are OK especially with tajin.

Sounds like some mosquitoes invited themselves to the party.

If you're looking to cut down mosquitoes around your yard, start by eliminating standing water. Mosquitoes can develop in surprisingly small amounts of water (as little as a tablespoon), so check things like flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, clogged gutters, and even toys left outside after a rain.

If your goal is to enjoy your backyard without applying repellent to your skin, OFF!^® Area Repellent can help create a 6-foot mosquito protection zone around your outdoor space when used as directed. For people dealing with persistent mosquito pressure, products like OFF!^® Backyard Bug Control can also help reduce mosquito activity in treated outdoor areas.

One additional tip: fans can help, too. Mosquitoes aren't particularly strong fliers, so increasing airflow around patios and outdoor seating areas can make it harder for them to land.

I think of mosquito control as a layered approach: reduce breeding sites, protect the spaces where you spend time outdoors, and take additional steps when needed

There seem to be a lot of people who agree you...but my expertise is in mosquitoes, not football.

Besides, I'm a New Orleans Saints fan! (hometown)

I've heard people swear by all sorts of mosquito remedies over the years.

I can't speak to that specific lotion's ability to repel mosquitoes, but I can tell you that mosquitoes use a combination of cues, including body odors, carbon dioxide, and body heat, to find people. It's possible that a scented lotion could change the odors mosquitoes detect, but that's difficult to predict and may not work the same way for everyone.

The challenge is that personal experiences don't always hold up consistently under different conditions.

If you're spending time outdoors, I recommend using adding an EPA-registered repellent to your routine and taking preventive steps before you're exposed to mosquitoes.

I like this question because choosing a repellent isn't always just about the bugs.

When it comes DEET vs. picaridin, both are effective active ingredients for helping repel mosquitoes and ticks but each has their own benefits. If you're concerned about plastics, synthetic fabrics, or outdoor gear, picaridin-based repellents can be a great option.

Products like OFF!^® Clean Feel and OFF!^® Deep Woods^® MAX contain picaridin and don't have the same potential to affect certain plastics, synthetic materials, or gear that can be a concern with DEET products. DEET-based repellents can still be a good choice for many situations, especially when long duration protection is needed, and it doesn't affect natural fabric fibers such as cotton and wool.
As always, read and follow the product label directions to make sure you're choosing the repellent that best fits your outdoor plans.

Nothing ruins an outdoor dinner faster than mosquitoes.

If you're looking to cut down mosquitoes at the source, start by eliminating standing water around your yard. Mosquitoes can develop in surprisingly small amounts of water, so check flowerpots, birdbaths, buckets, clogged gutters, and even toys left outside after a rain.

If you'd rather not apply repellent to your skin before sitting down to dinner, OFF!^® Area Repellent can help create a mosquito protection zone around your gathering area when used as directed. For heavier mosquito activity, products like OFF!^® Backyard Bug Control can also help reduce mosquitoes in treated outdoor areas.

Fans can help, too. Mosquitoes aren't particularly strong fliers, so increasing airflow around patios and outdoor seating areas can make it harder for them to land.

Unfortunately, there isn't one fix that makes every mosquito disappear. I think of it as a layered approach.

Nothing ruins being outside faster than mosquitoes.

When choosing a campsite, avoid setting up near standing water if possible. A pond, puddle, or marshy area can mean more mosquitoes nearby.

If you're spending time around the campfire, OFF!^® Area Repellent can help create a mosquito protection zone around your gathering area. One note, never use an aerosol around an open flame and make sure you follow usage instructions.

For tents, prevention goes a long way. Keep screens and tent openings zipped closed, and don't give mosquitoes an open invitation every time you go in and out. One thing I've learned over the years is that most tent mosquitoes get inside when people leave the door open longer than they realize.

A little preparation before the mosquitoes arrive can make for a much better trip.

It's understandable to be concerned. Tick populations and the diseases they can carry are getting a lot more attention than they did a decade ago.

The good news is that EPA-registered repellents labeled specifically for ticks have been extensively tested and remain one of the most effective and accessible tools we have for helping prevent tick bites. They're not magic, but they can make it much harder for ticks to latch on in the first place.

That said, tick prevention works best in layers: use a repellent, stay on established trails when possible, and perform a thorough tick check after spending time outdoors.

Don't underestimate that last step. Ticks typically need time to remain attached before transmitting some disease-causing pathogens, which is one reason prompt tick checks can be so valuable.

For your dog, I'd recommend talking with your veterinarian about tick prevention products and checking them carefully after hikes, especially around the ears, neck, and legs.

DEET is one of the most thoroughly studied insect repellent ingredients available, and regulatory agencies, including the EPA, have concluded that DEET products can be used by adults and children according to the label directions.

If you're spending time outdoors regularly, using a DEET-based repellent can be an effective part of your routine when mosquito or tick protection is needed.

One thing many people don't realize is that a higher DEET concentration isn't necessarily about "stronger" protection... it's primarily about longer-lasting protection. For example, the difference between a 25% DEET vs a 40% DEET product is that the latter will typically last longer. 

For shorter outings, a lower concentration may provide plenty of protection. For longer days outdoors, a higher concentration may help extend the duration of protection.

As always, follow the label directions for the product you're using.

I've heard just about all of them.

People have told me they swear by dryer sheets, garlic, bananas, vitamin B supplements, specific soaps, specific diets, and probably a few things that would surprise both of us.

The interesting thing is that many of these remedies become popular because someone tried them once and happened not to get bitten. The challenge is that personal experiences don't always hold up when they're tested scientifically.

As an entomologist, I never underestimate people's creativity. As a scientist, I tend to stick with the solutions that have the evidence to back them up.

That's not a perspective I hear very often.

Fortunately for mosquitoes, the feeling seems to be mutual. Based on some of the questions in this AMA, they seem to love quite a few people.

The crying emoji tells me the mosquitoes have been winning lately.

As for traps and zappers, the results can be mixed. No trap is going to eliminate every mosquito in an area, and some work better than others depending on the mosquito species and the environment.

CO₂-based traps are designed to mimic one of the main cues mosquitoes use to find hosts, so they can attract mosquitoes under the right conditions. But I wouldn't view any trap as a standalone solution. Many mosquito traps remove only a small portion of the local population, while new mosquitoes can continue moving in from surrounding areas.

If your goal is to reduce mosquito activity around your home, start by eliminating standing water wherever possible. Mosquitoes can develop in surprisingly small amounts of water.

I think of mosquito control as a layered approach. Reduce breeding sites, use products like OFF!^® Backyard Bug Control to help reduce mosquito activity in your yard, and consider OFF!^® Area Repellent to help create a mosquito protection zone where you spend time outdoors

First, I'm sorry you went through that. Dengue can be a very serious illness, and I can understand why it left an impression.

The mosquitoes most commonly associated with dengue are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Both are found in parts of the southern U.S., including Florida, and they're highly adapted to living around people. One thing many travelers don't realize is that these mosquitoes often bite during the day, not just around dawn and dusk.

As for your concern about reinfection, that's a conversation I'd encourage you to have with your healthcare provider, especially given your history with dengue. One reason dengue can be complicated is that there are four different dengue virus types. Researchers have found that a subsequent infection with a different dengue type can sometimes increase the risk of more severe disease, which is one reason dengue remains an important public health concern.

What I can say is that your prevention instincts are good. When traveling to areas where mosquito-borne diseases are a concern, I recommend using an EPA-registered repellent, following the label directions, and taking steps to avoid mosquito bites throughout the day—not just in the evening.

Ticks and mosquitoes aren't quite the same. Mosquitoes actively fly around looking for hosts, while many ticks spend their time waiting on vegetation like grass, leaves, or brush and grabbing onto a person or animal that brushes past, a behavior called "questing."

Ticks do respond to cues like carbon dioxide, body heat, and movement, but where you spend time outdoors and what you're wearing often plays a big role in whether they successfully latch on. Long pants, waders, and staying covered for sun and brush protection are probably helping more than you realize. In other words, some of the same habits that protect you from the environment are also helping protect you from ticks.

And just because you haven't noticed a tick doesn't necessarily mean you've never encountered one. Some life stages are surprisingly small (about the size of a poppy seed).

That said, after all those years outdoors, I'd say you've had a pretty good run.

Anyone who's spent time in Florida knows exactly what you're talking about.

No-see-ums are tiny biting flies, and part of what makes them so frustrating is that they're small enough to be difficult to see but very capable of making their presence known. In many cases, people don't realize they've been bitten until the itching starts.

The good news is that many of the same strategies used for mosquitoes can help with no-see-ums. EPA-registered repellents can help reduce bites, and lightweight long sleeves, pants, and fine-mesh clothing can provide additional protection.

As someone who spends a lot of time around biting insects, I'll admit that sand flies and no-see-ums are among the most frustrating pests I encounter. Their small size means they can sometimes get through gaps that would stop larger insects.

They're tiny, but they're definitely overachievers.

That's a great question. Choosing a repellent is often less about finding one perfect option and more about finding the product that best fits your situation and preferences.

For mosquito and tick protection, both DEET and picaridin are well-studied, EPA-registered active ingredients that can be used according to their label directions. DEET products, such as OFF!^® Deep Woods, are often chosen for extended outdoor activities where long-lasting protection is important. Picaridin products, such as OFF!^® Clean Feel, are another effective option and are often preferred by people looking for a fragrance-free, non-greasy feel or a product that won't affect certain plastics, synthetic materials, or outdoor gear.

If your goal is to reduce mosquito bites without applying repellent directly to your skin, OFF!^® Area Repellent can help create a mosquito protection zone around outdoor gathering areas when used as directed.

For your dog, I would not apply human repellents directly to them. Instead, talk with your veterinarian about tick and mosquito prevention products designed specifically for pets.

"Some essential oils can help repel mosquitoes, but not all of these repellents perform the same way. That's why I recommend choosing an EPA-registered repellent, because those products have undergone extensive efficacy testing.

For example, oil of lemon eucalyptus is derived from a plant source and is used in EPA-registered mosquito repellents. Other EPA-registered repellent ingredients include DEET, picaridin, and IR3535.

If part of the appeal of essential oils is avoiding strong repellent odors, picaridin-based repellents like OFF!^® Clean Feel are another option worth considering because they're effective against mosquitoes and ticks and are often preferred by people looking for a light-feeling, fragrance-free repellent experience.

My personal favorite is OFF!^® Clean Feel aerosol. It's Picaridin based which means it feels good on your skin and is fragrance free. Beautiful.

That’s what I’m here for.. and the good news is that a few simple habits can make a big difference.

Before spending time in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas, use an EPA-registered repellent labeled for ticks. Products like OFF!^® Deep Woods^® use DEET that’s proven to help repel ticks when used as directed. Wearing long pants and staying on established trails when possible, can also help reduce contact with tick habitat.

Just as important is what you do afterward. When you come back indoors, perform a thorough tick check on yourself, your children, your pets, and even your gear.

I'm a big believer in layers of protection. No single step is perfect, but together they can go a long way toward helping prevent tick bites.

That's actually a pretty common complaint. I'm not a sock guy either so this is a real problem.

Some mosquito species seem to be particularly attracted to odors produced by the feet and lower legs. Between skin bacteria, sweat, and the scent compounds our bodies naturally produce, your ankles can be sending out a stronger "mosquito signal" than you realize.

There's also a practical reason: mosquitoes often fly close to the ground, so ankles and lower legs are sometimes the first part of a person they encounter.

The good news is that you're not necessarily attracting more mosquitoes than everyone else.. your feet may just be winning the competition.

If that's where you're getting bitten most often, don't forget to apply repellent there.

I would recommend trying OFF!^® Clean Feel. This product is made with Picaridin making it non-sticky, and it's fragrance-free.

I would recommend eliminating standing water in your yard and wearing long sleeves.

I would recommend visiting the CDC website for more inforation on life cycles. That said, OFF!^® does have a few products that protect against biting midges and sand flies.

Zapping mosquitoes out of the sky is a method that is being explored. They will likely be pricey because of the technology they use and I'm not sure they are available for sale yet.

They are intended to work by detecting the mosquito, identifying its flight path, then blasting a quick laser burst to eliminate the mosquito. I haven't gotten my hands on one yet but I would be really interested to see it in action!