Mosquitoes are a common nuisance, known for their itchy bites and ability to disrupt outdoor activities. Understanding the factors that attract them is a step toward minimizing their presence and discomfort. These insects rely on various cues to locate a blood meal, and these attractants play a significant role in their host-seeking behavior.
Colors That Attract Mosquitoes
Research indicates that certain colors are more appealing to mosquitoes than others, particularly after they detect the carbon dioxide (CO2) exhaled by humans. Studies found that these insects are drawn to red, orange, black, and cyan. Conversely, they tend to ignore or are deterred by colors such as green, purple, blue, and white.
This color preference relates to how mosquitoes perceive light wavelengths. While scientists are not certain if mosquitoes perceive colors identically to humans, the colors they prefer—red, orange, and black—correspond to longer wavelengths of light. Human skin, regardless of its pigmentation, emits a long-wavelength signal in the red-orange range, which makes all humans appear to have a “red signature” to mosquitoes. This visual cue, combined with the presence of CO2, helps mosquitoes zero in on a potential host.
Other Attractants
Beyond color, mosquitoes use several other cues to locate hosts, with carbon dioxide (CO2) being a primary attractant. They can detect CO2 from a considerable distance, sometimes as far as 100 feet. The CO2 exhaled by humans and animals acts as a signal, indicating a potential blood meal. This detection activates the mosquito’s visual sense and can trigger their responses to other sensory stimuli.
Mosquitoes are also drawn to body heat and various compounds found in human sweat and skin odors. Warmth signals a blood source, and sweat contains chemicals such as lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia, and octenol, all of which are appealing to mosquitoes. Lactic acid, produced during physical activity, can combine with CO2 to attract mosquitoes. The bacteria living on human skin also contribute to the body odor profile that can draw mosquitoes closer.
Strategies for Protection
Understanding what attracts mosquitoes can inform strategies for protection. One practical approach involves selecting clothing colors that are less attractive to these insects. Opting for lighter hues like white, green, blue, or purple can make you less noticeable to mosquitoes, as these colors tend to be ignored. Conversely, avoiding red, orange, black, and cyan, especially in outdoor settings, may help reduce your attractiveness.
In addition to color choice, covering exposed skin with loose-fitting clothing provides a physical barrier against bites. Mosquitoes can bite through tight fabrics, so a looser fit is more effective. Applying EPA-registered insect repellents containing active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin offers further protection. Eliminating standing water around your home is important, as it removes breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Minimizing outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours, typically dawn and dusk, can also help reduce exposure.