When Summer hits, most of us enjoy the warm weather of the outdoors. Some choose to spend it going camping in the woods, some like to go swimming and others just enjoy curling up in a blanket in the backyard. No matter what you enjoy doing, there is something truly beautiful about those summer nights looking at the stars and fireflies. 

One thing that may not be too beautiful during the summer are mosquitoes. These annoying blood-suckers can turn a beautiful summer into total frustration. If you've ever thought that the bugs were out to get you... you might be right. Check out a few things you need to know before you enjoy the summer weather in peace.

5 factors that make you attractive to bugsHere's why the mosquitoes may be taking an interest in you:

1. You're pregnant

If you're pregnant, mosquitos are more likely to make a beeline towards you because your body is producing a larger combination of unique odors that mosquitos like (carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and uric acid) according to WebMD.

2. You're sweaty and moving

If you're running around at the family picnic, you're more likely to attract the attention of mosquitos who are drawn to movement and the lactic acid and sweat your body is producing.

3.It's in your blood (literally)

Mosquitos have their favorite food joints and they happen to be people with Type O blood type. Count yourself lucky if you have Type A blood as mosquitos aren't as attracted to your blood type, according to the Smithsonian.

4. You're wearing perfume/cologne

Mosquitoes are attracted to strong smells like the sweetness of a perfume of cologne.Wash it off before you head outdoors to keep the bugs at bay!

5. You're overweight

Carbon Dioxide is like candy to mosquitoes. They flock to larger pockets of the gas. If you're overweight, you're producing more Carbon Dioxide. (Adults are also more likely to be targeted than kids because they are naturally bigger.)

3 ways to repel mosquitoesIf you want to keep mosquitos at bay, try one of these ideas:

1. Plant repellents

Reduce the odds of becoming snack food by keeping bugs away. Plants like Citronella, Mint, Catnip, Marigolds, and Ageratum will help deter the bugs from coming around, according to Rodale's Organic Life.

2. Use a fan

Use a small fan to circulate air in your favorite sitting area. Mosquitos are small guys and trying to fly against the tough breeze of a fan will likely prove to be too much effort. Ceiling fans aren't as effective as the small oscillating or box fans.

3. Try oil

Some oils that may be effective include clove, thyme, celery extract, citronella and oil of eucalyptus (OLE). Keep OLE away from children under 3, according to WebMD.

4 ways to treat mosquito bites at home If you were unable to avoid the mosquitos, you can at least make the bits a little easier to live with. To treat mosquito bites at home try:

1. Oatmeal paste

Mix equal parts oatmeal and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your mosquito bite and cover with a washcloth. Hold in place for a few minutes before rinsing, Healthline recommends.

2. Honey

Apply a drizzle of honey to your mosquito bite for a little itch relief.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera isn't just great for sunburns, the gel has anti-inflammatory properties which could help reduce the swelling of any mosquito bites.

4.Baking soda

Create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to your itch and let it dry before rinsing away.

If you hate mosquito bites as much as we do, don't forget to share this information with your friends and help them stay bug-free this summer too! 

RESOURCES BANNER IMAGE SOURCE, SMITHSONIAN, WEBMD, HEALTHLINE, AND HTTP://RODALE'S ORGANIC LIFE

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