Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying and potentially dangerous insects during the warmer months. Their bites can cause irritation and itching, and some species can transmit diseases like malaria, Zika, dengue fever, and West Nile virus. While insect repellents are important for preventing mosquito bites, the colors of clothing you wear can also influence how attractive you are to these pests. Mosquitoes are drawn to certain colors more than others when looking for humans and animals to bite. Knowing what not to wear when mosquitoes are active can help reduce your risk of getting bitten.
How Mosquitoes Find Their Targets
Mosquitoes locate hosts to bite using several different senses:
– Sight: Mosquitoes are visually attracted to certain colors and contrasts. They especially key in on darker colors against lighter backgrounds.
– Smell: Mosquitoes can detect odors like carbon dioxide, lactic acid, ammonia, and certain fragrant products on your skin and breath that signal a potential blood meal nearby.
– Heat: Mosquitoes are drawn to heat sources like warm-blooded humans and animals. They can sense infrared radiation and slight temperature differences.
– Movement: Sudden movements and activity alert mosquitoes that a host may be close and attract their interest.
Colors That Attract Mosquitoes
Research has shown that mosquitoes have preferences for certain colors when seeking hosts. Here are the top colors that studies indicate mosquitoes are most attracted to:
– Red – Multiple studies have found that in laboratory tests, mosquitoes are highly attracted to the color red more than any other color. Red clothing and accessories put you at greater risk of bites.
– Orange – After red, orange is one of the colors that draw mosquitoes in. An orange shirt is likely to pull in more mosquitoes than lighter colors.
– Black – Black clothing attracts mosquitoes because of the strong visual contrast against light skin. Darker shades of black attract the most mosquitoes.
– Blue – While blue is less attractive than red, orange, and black, it still draws in more mosquitoes than lighter colors like yellow, green, and beige. Dark navy blue is more of a mosquito magnet than light blue.
– Purple – Similar to blue, this darker color is more attractive to mosquitoes than some shades but less appealing than black, red, or orange.
Colors That Repel Mosquitoes
Luckily, there are many colors that do not seem to attract mosquitoes much at all. Here are the top choices to avoid bites:
– Light Green – Several studies have found light shades of green, including yellow-green, do not attract mosquitoes. Pale or mint greens are great choices.
– Beige – Light beige and khaki colors did not stimulate interest or bites for mosquitoes in research. They blend in with skin tones.
– Light Blue – Softer shades of light blue, like periwinkle or powder blue, apparently do not stimulate mosquitoes to bite.
– White – A clean white shirt or blouse does not attract many mosquito landings or bites. It lacks strong contrast with skin.
– Silver & Gold – Metallic shades like silver, gold, and other pastels garner little mosquito interest according to studies. They may help deter bites.
Tips for Avoiding Mosquito Bites
Follow these tips for preventing mosquito bites by choosing the right clothing colors:
– Wear light-colored clothing as much as possible during mosquito season. Stick to pale greens, tans, light blues and grays.
– Avoid wearing red, orange, black and dark blue when outdoors near mosquitoes. Opt for lighter shades.
– Choose lighter metallic fabrics like silver, gold or metallic gray rather than dark metallics.
– Cover up with long sleeves and long pants in neutral colors when mosquitoes are active. Less exposed skin means fewer bites.
– Make sure screens on windows and doors are intact to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
– Consider treating clothes with an EPA-registered repellent like permethrin for extra protection. Always follow label instructions.
How Mosquitoes See Color
The reason mosquitoes are drawn to certain colors more has to do with how they detect color and interpret visual cues:
| Mosquito Vision Facts | How It Affects Color Attraction |
|---|---|
| Mosquitoes can see colors in the range of yellow, blue-green, red, and orange. | These colors attract mosquitoes more since they stand out to their vision. |
| Mosquitoes see solid dark colors as a potential host. | Black, darker blues, and reds looks like animal fur and skin. |
| Mosquitoes are especially drawn to colors that contrast strongly against other colors. | Dark colors on lighter backgrounds creates a magnet effect. |
| Mosquitoes have difficulty seeing shades of green and beige that blend with skin tones. | Lighter greens, tans, and whites don’t stand out as much. |
When Are Mosquitoes Most Active?
Mosquitoes tend to be most active and bite most often during warmer months:
– Spring – Mosquitoes become active as temperatures warm and dormant eggs hatch in standing water. Activity increases through spring into summer.
– Summer – Hot summer weather breeds many mosquitoes. They are out in full force during the day and night biting.
– Fall – While activity decreases with cooler temperatures, mosquitoes remain active into fall until the first hard frosts hit.
– Nighttime – Mosquitoes are especially active from dusk to dawn since many species prefer to feed at night. Take extra precautions against bites at night.
– Low Wind – Mosquitoes fly best in low wind conditions. Higher winds disrupt their flight and deter bites. Breezy conditions reduce bites.
– High Humidity – Mosquitoes thrive in humid conditions. Avoid excess time outdoors when humidity is high and stagnant.
Protecting Yourself From Mosquito Bites
In addition to being cautious of the colors you wear, also protect yourself from mosquito bites by:
– Using an EPA-registered insect repellent on exposed skin. Popular active ingredients include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Reapply as needed.
– Making sure window and door screens are in good condition with no holes or gaps.
– Eliminating standing water on property where mosquitoes can breed. Drain sources like buckets, tires, gutters, and pools.
– Running fans, which discourage mosquitoes with air currents, in outdoor living spaces.
– Burning citronella candles, torches or oil lamps can help repel mosquitoes in patios or decks.
– Wearing loose long sleeves and pants when outdoors during peak mosquito activity.
Conclusion
Avoiding colors that attract hungry mosquitoes, like shades of red, orange, black and blue, can significantly cut down on annoying and potentially dangerous bites when these pests are active. Opt for lighter greens, tans, blues and grays to help camouflage yourself. Pair light-colored clothing with plenty of bug spray, protective screens and eliminating standing water to minimize contact with mosquitoes. Take extra precautions at night when many species are searching for their next blood meal.
