When enjoying the outdoors, many people apply sunscreen to protect their skin from the sun’s rays and then consider mosquito protection. A common question arises: does sunscreen inadvertently attract mosquitoes? Understanding mosquito behavior and product formulations helps clarify this concern. This article explores how mosquitoes locate their targets and sunscreen’s actual influence on their attraction.
The Science of Mosquito Attraction
Mosquitoes use a sophisticated system of sensory cues to locate hosts. A primary attractant is carbon dioxide (CO2), which humans and other animals exhale. Mosquitoes can detect changes in CO2 levels from distances of up to 30 to 150 feet, signaling the presence of a potential blood meal. This long-range detection guides them toward an area where hosts are present.
As mosquitoes draw closer, they utilize other cues, including body heat and certain compounds found in human sweat and skin odor. Sweat contains chemicals such as lactic acid, uric acid, and ammonia, which are appealing to mosquitoes. Body heat indicates a blood source, and mosquitoes can sense temperature changes to pinpoint their target more precisely. Visual cues, such as darker clothing colors, can also attract mosquitoes as these colors tend to retain more heat.
Sunscreen’s Impact on Mosquito Attraction
Sunscreen is not inherently a primary attractant or repellent for mosquitoes, and there is no scientific evidence that sunscreen inherently repels them. Its effect on mosquito attraction largely depends on its specific formulation and added ingredients.
Certain components within sunscreen, particularly fragrances, can influence mosquito behavior. Floral or fruity scents commonly found in scented personal care products, including some sunscreens, may attract mosquitoes. Some research suggests that other ingredients like certain fatty acids or lactic acid, present in skincare products, might also be attractive. Opting for fragrance-free sunscreens can help reduce the risk of attracting unwanted insect attention.
Comprehensive Mosquito Protection Strategies
When spending time outdoors, effective protection against both sun exposure and mosquito bites requires a layered approach. It is recommended to apply sunscreen first, allowing it to absorb for about 10 to 20 minutes before applying insect repellent. This order ensures sunscreen creates its UV protective barrier without repellent reducing its effectiveness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) do not recommend combination sunscreen-insect repellent products because their reapplication frequencies differ; sunscreen needs more frequent reapplication than most insect repellents.
For mosquito protection, use EPA-registered insect repellents containing active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or 2-undecanone. These products are tested for safety and effectiveness when used as directed. Beyond repellents, wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants as a physical barrier. Light-colored clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes than dark colors. Eliminating standing water around homes is also beneficial, as mosquitoes lay eggs in water.