Mosquitoes voted as top summer nuisance

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New research found that mosquitoes are the most annoying part of summer.

A recent survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 28 percent said that mosquitoes are the most frustrating part of the summer months, with sweating and excessive hear tied for second at 27 percent, according to an article from Talker. Meanwhile, ticks were voted on a the least frustrating part of summer with only 17 percent.

In the survey, people voted on the most frustrating parts of summer and what they would rather do that be covered in bug bites. This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans was commissioned by OFF! between July 27 and July 28, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Check out the results of the survey.

Most frustrating parts of summer: 

• Mosquitoes: 28 percent
• Sweating: 27 percent
• Excessive heat: 27 percent
• Stickiness/humidity: 24 percent
• Increased number of people in my usual area: 22 percent
• Higher utility bills: 21 percent
• Sunburn:21 percent
• Higher travel prices: 19 percent
• Excessive air conditioning: 19 percent
• Lack of shade outside: 19 percent
• Pressure to do something” 18 percent
• Ticks: 17 percent

What would people rather do than be covered in bug bites?

• Stand in an outdoor ticket line for hours: 49 percent
• Spend a month without social media: 44 percent
• Spend a month without internet access: 41 percent
• Walk around in sticky clothes for a day: 39 percent
• Commute to work all summer: 39 percent
• Experience sunburn: 29 percent
• Work on a weekend: 25 percent
• Have the air conditioning go out in your home: 11 percent

“Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat and lactic acid, a substance your body emits when you sweat – especially during those hot summer months,” said Dr. Tom Mascari, an entomologist with SC Johnson’s Center for Insect Science. “They are also drawn to the carbon dioxide we expel while breathing and can find even the smallest areas of exposed skin. To help prevent mosquito bites, choose an insect repellent that fits your needs and your situation, and make sure any repellent you use contains active ingredients tested and proven to repel mosquitoes, like DEET or picaridin.”

The study also revealed people are still willing to brave the summer heat for cookouts (34 percent), picnics (34 percent), festivals (34 percent), camping (33 percent) and watching the sunrise or sunset (32 percent).

Bug bites seem to get the best of Gen Z, two-thirds (66 percent) of whom “always” or “often” wish they hadn’t partaken in their activity of choice due to the uncomfortable aftermath. People seem intent on avoiding a repeat of past experiences, with more than half (59 percent) previously canceling or moving plans because they had bug bites — including 74% of Gen Z respondents.

While there are several factors that may help explain why some people are mosquito magnets, respondents guessed the top factors included their perfume/cologne (48 percent), sweat (47 percent), sunscreen smell (41 percent) and diet (41 percent).

“Along with sunscreen, incorporating insect repellent into one’s daily routine in the summer months could mean the difference between making summer memories at the beach or lake, or staying home,” Dr. Michelle Henry, board certified dermatologist and OFF! partner, added. “Prevention is the best protection against mosquitoes. That’s why it’s important to apply bug spray right after sunscreen and before heading outside as a part of your everyday routine – if insect repellent is applied after you start to get bit, it may already be too late.”

Do you think mosquitoes are annoying enough to make the top of this list? Let us know in the comments.