Category: Mosquito Guides

What Time Do Mosquitoes Come Out: Avoid the Bloodsucking Pest
Mosquitoes have a great potential for ruining your holiday or tour. Not only are these whining, buzzing pesky things annoying; they also carry a number of serious diseases. This becomes especially scary if you are planning a trip outside North America.
Yet, even within the US, an encounter with a horde of aggressive, blood-hungry mosquitoes is something that you want to avoid.
One approach is staying out of the harm’s way by limiting your activity when the critters are most active and vice versa. But what time do mosquitoes come out? Read below to learn about the pest’s rhythms.
What Is The Best Time to Avoid Mosquitoes
When asked, “When are mosquitoes most active?”, I should divide my answer into blocks dealing with different aspects of the when, namely the yearly cycle and the daily rhythms of mosquitoes.
Please note that this article is largely focused on the species found in the US. With some 174 of those in the continental part of the country alone, the diversity of habits that the pests demonstrate is nearly confusing. Still, there are patterns, by knowing which you can spare yourself a lot of nasty bites.

When is mosquito season?
Generally, mosquitoes are more afraid of cold than they are of heat. There is a magic number that’s been determined as the start of the mosquito-free season for a vast majority of species — when air temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it normally means it’s time to hibernate.
There’s a popular belief that cold kills mosquitoes. However, a lot of them deal with it by accumulating extra body fat that helps them survive through the winter and seeking warm abodes until the weather improves.
Alternatively, they supply their eggs with all they are likely to need for overwintering, so the younglings appear in spring.
Regardless of their preferred survival strategy, mosquitoes don’t normally bite during the cold season. The dates for this obviously differ based on your location. You can keep checking your local weather forecasts for the first time that the temperature becomes steady at above 50 degrees Fahrenheit after the winter, which would mean the beginning of the mosquito breeding season.
Conversely, days colder than the magic number are the most accurate answer to “When does mosquito season end?”. If you live in the south, for example, in Florida, expect high mosquito activity from early spring to late fall. In the northeast, however, it’s usually just the first weeks of fall that are marked by considerable mosquito presence.
Also Read: Unbiased Thermacell Review
Peak mosquito hours
Even in the midst of the mosquito season, the critters won’t pester you 24/7, which is surely good news. The bad news is that their daily habits differ much more than their seasonal presence. While we are generally taught to avoid mosquitoes at night rather than during the daytime, it turns out that these pests are more complex than that.
The preferred rest hours of a mosquito are determined by the species that it belongs to. The world is inhabited by some 3,200 mosquito species, many of which are united into genera that share characteristic features as well as residence. These generally fall into two categories based on their daily habits.
There is a category of mosquitoes described as nocturnal, meaning that they are more active during the night than in the daytime. This includes biting around dusk and dawn as well as all-night-long blood hunting.
For most people in North America, this kind of behavior appears typical of mosquitoes in general because it’s demonstrated by the large Culex genus encompassing a total of over a thousand species. These are the most frequent guests in human accommodations in many large cities.
Culex mosquitoes are found nearly worldwide except for the extreme part of the so-called temperate zone, and the US is no exception. That is, paying special attention to mosquito protection at night would be wise for most Americans.
Another nocturnal genus, Anopheles, is also notorious for spreading human malaria. While the dangerous disease is associated primarily with tropical areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, several species belonging to it occur in colder climates as well, including North America.
Finally, there are diurnal species that are most active during the day. These include Aedes, initially limited in habitat to subtropical and tropical areas but now also found in the New World and ill-famed for carrying Zika virus. When the sun sets, diurnal species become generally inactive and unlikely to bother people.
Also Read: Detailed Mosquito Trap Reviews
How to protect yourself during mosquito activity
Presuming that you are somewhere in North America, I recommend being extra careful during the transition between day and night as well as at nighttime.
Viable solutions include using mosquito repellents, preferably formulated as spray (but bracelets for kids too), and wearing less revealing clothes when you have to go out. For picnics and other outings where you sit a lot, candles can be a valuable addition. Just be sure to pick a formula that’s safe for anyone present, such as kids and/or pets.
Remember that there is nothing to guarantee you a completely mosquito-free experience in broad daylight either.
FAQ on Mosquito Activity
In this section, I provide brief answers to a selection of curious questions I’ve been asked about mosquitoes’ circadian rhythms and sleeping habits.
Why do mosquitoes come out at dusk?
The statement that mosquitoes come out at dusk is only true when it comes to specific, although wide-spread, species, such as representatives of the Culex genus that is associated with the so-called West Nile virus. These are very unlikely to appear when the sun is high and hot because exposure to burning sunlight dehydrates them.
However, there are species in the Aedes genus, potential spreaders of Zika virus, mostly found in tropical and subtropical areas but now also present in North America, that tend to bite mostly during the daytime.
Also Read: Detailed Guide on Mosquito Foggers
Do mosquitoes sleep?
They do. Mosquitoes rest a lot like humans, that is, they stay still for some time without either flying or biting or showing any activity at all. This can happen during the day or at night depending on the species (see above). Occasional siestas are possible, too.
Are mosquitoes nocturnal?
Some are, and some are not. There are species known to be nocturnal, that is, active in the night, while others tend to bite in the daytime. However, most mosquitoes that you can come across in the United States are probably nocturnal.
Please note that the term “nocturnal” might appear somewhat vague when it comes to biting habits because there are nighttime mosquitoes that will bite you throughout the night, while others are mostly active at dusk.
Reducing Mosquito Exposure to a Minimum
Mosquito habits differ considerably depending on where you are and which species you are dealing with. Across the world and even in North America, there are mosquitoes that bite at night as well as day-time biters. The latter is a much smaller category, though, especially in the US.
It is in the dark hours throughout the spring and summer that Americans are most likely to need repellents and other anti-mosquito strategies to avoid itchy swollen bites.
When do you feel mosquitoes are most active in your area? Share in the comments, and don’t forget to mention where you are from!
Also read:
References:
- Mosquito-Borne Diseases (Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology Baylor College of Medicine):
  https://www.bcm.edu/departments/molecular-virology-and-microbiology/emerging-infections-and-biodefense/mosquitoes
- Mosquitoes (Entomology Department at Purdue University):
  https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publichealth/insects/mosquito.html
- Anopheles (Wikipedia):
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anopheles
- New study reveals how day- and night-biting mosquitoes respond differently to colors of light and time of day (University of California):
  https://som.uci.edu/news_releases/Mosquitoes-respond-differently-to-colors-of-light-time-of-day.asp
2021-03-11
What Eats Mosquitoes: The Pest’s Natural Enemies Reviewed
It’s safe to say that mosquitoes would top the chart if one were to rate the most-hated insects, and for a good reason. Just thinking about that whiny buzz could drive one crazy.
Much worse than this, they are capable of spreading infectious diseases, so it turns out that a bunch of nasty itchy swollen bite spots is far from the worst-case scenario.
There are multiple methods of dealing with the pest that can and should be mixed and matched. One approach is to find out what eats mosquitoes and employ the critter’s natural enemy to keep its population in check.
Predators That Prey on Mosquitoes
Luckily for us, the Earth is home to many species that like to include a generous serving of mosquitoes in their diet. Let’s explore the diversity and find out which has the biggest appetite.
Common Guesses on Mosquito Predators
As an entomologist, I get asked all kinds of questions about possible mosquito eaters and how effective they can be in dealing with the nearly ubiquitous critters. In this section, I’ll briefly answer the most common of those.
Do ladybugs eat mosquitoes?
No, they don’t. Ladybugs are much prized by horticulturalists for eating the sap-sucking aphids, although it’s not universally true across the many ladybug species.
Those of them who are carnivorous tend to prefer scaled insects. There are ladybugs that have a diet based on plant matter and/or mildew, too. Unfortunately, they tend to avoid bloodsuckers in general, and mosquitoes are no exception.
Do mayflies eat mosquitoes?
Another negative answer. Mayflies don’t feed on mosquitoes because they are largely herbivorous, although nymphs of certain species do consume insects such as chironomids.
Do bees eat mosquitoes?
They don’t. This is no wonder given the fact that bees aren’t generally attracted to meat. Their diet consists of plant-based matter such as nectar and pollen.
Do wasps eat mosquitoes?
No, or at least not commonly. Wasps have a reputation for controlling spider and caterpillar populations, and it’s true that they will kill smaller insects to nourish their larvae, but mosquitoes don’t generally seem to be on the menu.
Do bats eat mosquitoes?
They do, but not as much as they are rumored to. Bats stuffing themselves on the tiny bloodsuckers is not exactly a hoax but rather a rare occurrence, since the Chiroptera mammals generally prefer other insects such as beetles, flies, and moths.
Bats live on a diverse diet of smaller bugs as well as creatures similar to grasshoppers in size. Indeed, they can afford to be picky.
Do frogs eat mosquitoes?
Yes, they do, and so do toads. Probably the most frequently named candidate for the world’s biggest mosquito eater, the frog can at best prevent the critter population from growing out of control. Neither adult frogs and toads nor their tadpoles appear to rely on mosquitoes as their staple.
Do spiders eat mosquitoes?
Yes but, again, not enough. Spiders are best known for making sticky webs that catch flying insects indiscriminately. However, there’s no evidence at present to prove that by keeping spiders, you can put an end to the mosquito problem.
Also Read: Mosquito Magnet Review
Do fish eat mosquitoes?
Not all of them, but some do. More specifically, fish tends to prey on mosquito larvae rather than adult individuals. Carps, minnows, killifish, and tilapia are just some of the fishes known to feed on mosquito larvae. These are sometimes used as part of biological part control.
Yet, the Best Appetite for Mosquitoes award surely goes to the appropriately named western mosquitofish, known scientifically as Gambusia — a freshwater species that has a history of tipping the eco-balance once introduced to new water bodies but now used extensively in combination with aquaponic measures.

Meet the Less-Familiar Mosquito Eaters
Some animals are often falsely accused of (or should I say praised for?) feeding on mosquitoes. Conversely, there are living beings that enjoy less attention but still have potential in bloodsucker management.
Insects that eat mosquitoes
If you feel strangely assured that there must be mosquito-eating insects on the planet, you are right.
Quite surprisingly, the answer to what bugs eat mosquitoes includes… well, mosquitoes. Indeed, there are cannibalistic species that kill their likes for food. The Toxorhynchites genus is one of the best-known examples of predacious mosquitoes. Given the fact that representatives of the group are not known to carry any human diseases, it seems to be a beneficial genus.
The dragonfly is another likely candidate for natural mosquito control. Naiads prey on the critter’s larvae, effectively causing the population to dwindle over time. It was with dragonflies that the history of mosquito biocontrol began.
Finally, there are other members of the Odonata order to which dragonflies belong, the similar-looking damselflies. The aquatic larvae of these bright-colored insects also prey on mosquitoes every once in a while, although on a limited scale.
Also Read: Indoor Mosquito Killers Described
Mosquito-hunting birds
Turning your garden into a bird sanctuary that will guarantee you a critter-free life sounds appealing, but how effective is this approach?
There are many bird species whose diet includes bloodsucking insects. Common as they are across the Northern Hemisphere, barn swallows are known for feasting on adult insects that they catch in flight. Mosquitoes are no exception to this rule.
Given that barn swallows gravitate towards a migratory lifestyle, though, this is not the mosquito predator to rely on all year round. Other potentially useful birds found in North America include purple martins. Ducks and geese occasionally eat mosquitoes as well.
Birds can enhance your natural critter barrier that prevents the population from overgrowing but are unlikely to quickly smother a massive infestation.
Reptiles that prey on mosquitoes
With their iconic long tongues, it’s no wonder that lizards and geckos don’t mind catching a couple of mosquitoes every once in a while.
Both are diurnal, meaning that their activity hours do not coincide with those of most mosquito species (please note that not all mosquitoes are creatures of the night), hence the consumption rate is limited.
Finally, there are turtle species that feed on mosquito larvae. The red-eared slider is probably the most well-known of these.
Also Read: Top Mosquito Fogging Machines Reviewed
Mosquito Diet FAQ
Here, I briefly answer some curious questions related to mosquito eating that I often get asked as an entomologist.
What do mosquito larvae eat?
Mosquito larvae usually feed by filtering out small particles of decaying matter. They have been noticed to occasionally eat other mosquito larvae, too.
What fish eat mosquitoes?
Tilapias, the so-called mosquitofish, carps, killifish, and minnows are best known for their appetite when it comes to mosquitoes (mostly larvae).
Do wasps kill mosquitoes?
They might kill a mosquito in a dispute over territory or otherwise, but it’s not part of wasps’ feeding habits.
Natural Predators as a Pest Control Strategy
It turns out that our planet is full of little and not so little things that eat mosquitoes, but what does this imply? Biocontrol, that is, using the species’ natural enemies such as parasites and predators to reduce its population or at least prevent its spreading, has a long history in mosquito management.
Certain fish species have been proven effective. There’s anecdotal evidence of other species being used to the same end with success as well, such as lizards and bats.
Do you feel like you could use a living being to keep the bloodsuckers away? Share in the comments!
Also read:
References:
- Mosquito Bites: Everyone is at Risk! (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services):
  https://www.cdc.gov/media/dpk/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html
- ladybirds, lady beetles, ladybugs (J. Howard Frank (retired) and Russell F. Mizell, III (retired), University of Florida):
  http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/lady_beetles.htm
- Program Options on time of implementation: Proactive vs. Reactive Measures (Boston University):
  https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/PH/West_Nile_Virus_EEE/West_Nile_Virus_EEE_NEW5.html
- About Mosquitoes (by Matthew Chmielewski, Biology graduate student, Clark University):
  https://www2.clarku.edu/~tlivdahl/back/index.html#:~:text=Mosquito%20larvae%20are%20usually%20filter,to%20eat%20other%20mosquito%20larvae.
2021-03-11
4 Bugs That Look Like Mosquitoes: Identify the Species
There are many insects and bugs that look like mosquitoes. If you find them in your home, do not try to exterminate them immediately. Some species do not carry diseases or infections.
Generally, they are safe, though may cause only a little discomfort. I have prepared an overview of the most common insects that look like mosquitoes. You may have already encountered some of these bugs inside or around your home.
Guide on Insects That Look Like Mosquitoes
People don’t like mosquitoes because they bite painfully, carry infections, and leave painful red bite spots. If there are pets in your house, some mosquitoes can be dangerous to them as well.
However, there are many mosquito-like insects in nature, which often causes people to confuse them. These insects can resemble mosquitoes without being dangerous. Some bugs are even beneficial, so you shouldn’t destroy them.
Midges vs mosquitoes
As outside temperatures rise, many flying insects appear. People start thinking about the ways to cope with them, either with the help of the disinfection service or by themselves. Comparing midges vs mosquito, I should note they are very similar to each other.
However, midges are 1.5 to 2 times smaller than mosquitoes, though their bodies are thicker. Also, their body color is dark brown in contrast to the lighter shade of mosquitoes.
Midges inhabit the same regions as mosquitoes. However, having no trunk with a needle, they can not bite people or animals. Accordingly, they do not carry any diseases and are harmless to us.
You can identify midges by another distinctive feature. These insects fly in large flocks, while mosquitoes can fly one at a time.
If you see many insects in one swarm, these are harmless gnats. These creatures can be really annoying because they get in your mouth, ears, and eyes, but they are not dangerous.

Crane flies vs mosquitoes
Crane flies are other insects that resemble mosquitoes in appearance. They have an elongated dark-colored body with a proboscis.
There is a common misconception that crane flies belong to the mosquito species or even feed on them, but this is not true. In fact, crane flies resemble mosquitoes only outwardly, but they are not dangerous to humans and animals.
Comparing crane flies vs mosquitoes, there are only two major similarities:
1. These insects are outwardly similar to each other.
2. They live in humid regions and are active with the onset of heat.
Crane flies do not sting or attack humans. They do not eat at all during the adult stage. They consume only plant food during the larval stage, after which they live a few days without food and die.
You don’t need to spend money on destroying them, as crane flies live very little and will soon become extinct on their own.
Gnats vs mosquitoes
Many people tend to confuse a gnat vs mosquito as these two species are very similar to each other from a distance. However, they have significant differences that you need to know about.
The main difference lies in their food behavior. Gnats feed mainly on plant nectar. They do not consume human or animal blood. Gnats also can stay on any surface and do not raise their tail.
Their body is always parallel to the surface. Accordingly, they neither sting a person nor leave painful marks in the form of pimples and redness.
You can also distinguish gnats by their shrunken body. These insects are smaller than adult mosquitoes. They look more like bed bugs if you have encountered them.
Mayflies vs mosquitoes
Another insect, which you may confuse with a mosquito, is a mayfly. Though many mosquitoes look like mayflies, there are some peculiarities in their appearance and behavior.
You can always differentiate between the appearance of mayfly vs mosquito. Mayflies have a body similar to a dragonfly. It is elongated and thickened, with wings and legs.
This species becomes more active when the air temperature rises, and the air becomes more moist. Most often, mayflies can be found near freshwater sources, such as ponds and lakes.
Their peculiarity is that they live only 1-2 days. As they have no need to eat as adults, they don’t attack humans or animals, nor do they consume blood. Mayflies fly in swarms, which makes them look like gnats rather than mosquitoes.
Before feeling irritated when you see a swarm of mayflies nearby, you should know that these insects play an important role in the natural ecosystem. Therefore, it is better to leave them on their own and not to destroy them.
Also read: Best Mosquito Sprays for Yard
FAQ About Mosquito-Like Bugs
Have you ever encountered a situation when you saw a mosquito-looking bug and didn’t know what to do about it? These answers to the common questions about mosquitoes and mosquito-looking insects can help you not to be confused in these situations.
What are the big bugs that look like mosquitoes?
There are several insects similar to mosquitoes:
- Midges (Chironomidae);
- Dixid midges (Dixidae);
- Winter crane flies (Trichoceridae);
- Wood gnats (Anisopodidae);
- Mayflies (Ephemeroptera);
- Crane flies (Tipulidae).
Indeed, some insects resemble mosquitoes, but they belong to different species. Thus they differ in appearance, behavior, and diet. Many mosquito-like insects do not bite people and animals, as they do not have a stinger. To spot the differences, you need to look closely at their body color, size, and behavior.
Note that all of the insects above do not belong to the mosquito species, although they are similar in appearance.
What does a baby mosquito look like?
Everyone knows what adult flying mosquitoes look like. But knowing the appearance of baby mosquitoes can help you recognize the threat of mosquito larvae on your property on time.
Mosquito larvae look like tiny light-colored worms without wings and stings. They hatch in water sources, so mosquitoes are most often found in wet areas near lakes, swamps, rivers, reservoirs, or after heavy rainfall.
Mosquito larvae grow only in standing water. After some time, adult mosquitoes hatch from the larvae as we see them with their wings and a sting.
Also read: Most Effective Mosquito Killers
How many wings does a mosquito have?
Mosquitoes have only two wings. If you see a mosquito-like insect with four wings, this is not a mosquito. In addition to two wings, mosquitoes have two pairs of legs at the back and one pair of legs at the front. They are oriented in space by means of two antennae located near the sting.
The tendrils of insects are very sensitive to their environment, and they use them to fly, maneuver around obstacles, and determine where to land. If you tear off one or both wings of a mosquito, it will not be able to fly and will die.
Mosquito-Looking Bugs: No More Confusion
Many species of insects look similar to mosquitoes, but you will immediately notice the difference from a close distance. You need to learn to distinguish between mosquitoes and other bugs to know whether there is any danger to you, your family, and pets.
If you come across the insects described in the guide above, it is better not to try to kill them with expensive methods and substances.
Many insects that are similar to mosquitoes do not live more than 1-2 days, and they will eventually die on their own. In addition, some insects are very important for the ecosystem and the growth of some plants.
Have you already confused gnats, crane flies, or mayflies with mosquitoes? How have you dealt with them? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
Also read:
References:
- Controlling Mosquitoes (by Emily Zobel and Jon Traunfeld, University of Maryland Extension):
  https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/controlling-mosquitoes
- Beneficial Insects (Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
  http://npic.orst.edu/envir/beneficial/index.html
- Ephemeroptera (UC Museum of Paleontology):
  https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthropoda/uniramia/ephemeroptera.html
2021-03-11
Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light? And Other Secrets You Did Not Know
Remember how you turned off the lights, went to bed, and started to fall asleep when this terrible ringing came in to ruin your night? Bloody mosquitoes! I bet, it’s exactly why you decided to look up how to repel mosquitoes from home.
In this article, I want to help homeowners get rid of the insects. I will gladly share my vast expertise so that you sleep carefree without any ruined nights.
What We Know About Mosquitoes
To learn what attracts mosquitoes and how to get rid of them, let’s take a closer look at this species.
The common stereotype suggests that mosquitoes are feeding off of our blood, and they are attracted to light. However, it’s not necessarily the truth.
Why Mosquitoes Bite
Not all the mosquitoes are the annoying biters that we hate. Only female mosquitoes bite: they suck your blood for the proteins to develop their mosquito eggs. And what about the food? Get ready for a surprise: mosquitoes have been eating plant nectars all this time!
A+ in Navigation
As scary as it may seem, mosquitoes use three ways to detect and bite you:
1. First of all, they can see you. Their faceted eyes can capture an object that attracts their attention.
2. Thermal. As we noted above, mosquitoes feel the heat coming from you and are sent to explore the area.
3. They distinguish the carbon dioxide that we exhale, and it’s what attracts mosquitoes the most. So if you want to repel mosquitoes (or rather attract them somewhere far from your room), try to assemble one of the CO2 mosquito traps that can be found all over the Internet.
What Attracts Mosquitoes
Imagine a group of 10 people who went camping in a swampy forest. Do you think all the members will be bitten by mosquitoes equally? Or maybe mosquitoes prefer certain people?
Amazingly, recent studies found out 20% of people are more likely to become victims of the mosquitoes’ maternal instincts. Why is it so? Scientists suggest that the answer is an increased generation of carbon dioxide. It’s especially common for obese people, pregnant women, and athletes. Still, we don’t know for certain what makes some people tastier from the mosquito’s point.
As you can see, science is only beginning to uncover the mysteries of weird behavior in some insects. However, we can expect some breakthroughs in the industry of insect repellers coming for us very soon!
Skin Color & Blood Type: Is There Any Difference?
Because people with O-type are universal donors, they might also seem more delicious for the bugs. At least, this is the only decent explanation, why O-type people are twice as often bitten by mosquitoes than A-type.
But when it comes to skin tone, it seems that the obnoxious insects see no difference.
Related Post: Best Mosquito Killers That Work.

Why Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?
Mosquitoes aren’t avid light-lovers: instead, they rely on the heat of other animals, people, and household objects. But other bugs, indeed, rush towards the light whatever it takes. They perceive it as a sort of guidance. Some of them even see the infrared radiation and navigate by it.
That’s why there are no bugs-free lightbulbs on the market: for now, science just can’t figure them out.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes
If you want to escape mosquitoes, you have two options. Either you want to repel these annoying buzzers away from your home, or you would like for them to leave you alone while you’re on a walk.
In the House
I recommend starting with your doors and windows.
- Check that there is no gap between the threshold and the door: this is a direct invitation not only for mosquitoes but for mice as well.
- Place a thin mesh on the windows.
Then, use electronic repellers: they disorient mosquitoes, so they simply can’t find you in the room.
On the Street
On a promenade, on a camping trip, or simply hanging out on the backyard, you can still get bombarded with mosquitoes. Consider purchasing mosquito repellents that are suitable for the outside use. For instance:
- Citronella bracelets; citronella is a natural scent that repels insects.
- Dense-textured clothes; cover your arms and legs, it will be harder for mosquitoes to bite through the fabric.
- Chemical protective solutions, including repelling sprays.
Of course, there are other ways to protect your house against mosquitoes, such as ultrasonic repellers or zappers. Nevertheless, because these insects don’t react to UV lights and sound, their effectiveness is questionable.
FAQ: Easy Tips in Fighting Mosquitoes
Although mosquitoes aren’t particularly complicated creatures, you might have lots of questions about them. I am happy to provide you with the fullest answers coming from my vast experience and knowledge.
Why are bugs attracted to light?
There’s no short answer, only a bunch of theories. The one I prefer the most is that the artificial radiation interferes with their natural vision. In other words, this disrupts their navigation.
Are mosquitoes attracted to ultraviolet light?
This question resonates with some others: “Are mosquitoes attracted to led light?” or, for instance, “Are mosquitoes attracted to blue light?” Unfortunately no, they are not. It’s only movement, heat, and carbon dioxide that they detect.
Are mosquitoes attracted to black or any particular color?
I get asked this question quite often. “What colors are mosquitoes attracted to”, or another version of it: “Are mosquitoes attracted to light or dark clothing?” It is based on the assumption that mosquitoes can distinguish colors. However, this is not the case.
You see, clothes and objects of different colors interact with light in their own ways: dark fabrics and surfaces absorb the heat and retain it for a long time, while lighter ones are more reflective. Are mosquitoes attracted to color? No, they are not. But they are attracted to warmer surfaces. Therefore, mosquitoes like you more in black.
How do mosquitoes navigate at night?
If they can’t see you, they still feel your warmth (thermal sensory) and smell the CO2 you exhale. Combining these two sensory organs is exactly how they navigate at night.
Secrets You’ve Learnt: in Short
Although mosquitoes can sometimes ruin our lives, fighting them will not take you much time and effort. Now you know that mosquitoes are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide, so it won’t be difficult for you to trick them. With quality repellents and CO2 traps, you’ll be just fine.
What other insects do you suffer from? What is the most annoying pest? Share your opinion down below, and I will consider your suggestions when preparing another pest control article.
I hope my guide has helped you in the never-ending battle against mosquitoes. Thanks for reading!
Also read:
References:
- Mosquitoes (Purdue University):
  https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publichealth/insects/mosquito.html
2020-06-05