Female mosquitoes bite humans and other animals to get a blood meal, which they need to produce eggs.
These bloodsucking insects might select you as a hostfor many different reasons.
Heres how mosquitoes choose their preyand how you could take a stab at avoid getting bitten.
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While mosquitoes use visual cues to find their hosts, Buckner said they dont have super clear vision.
For them, it is easier to pick up contrasting colors.
Dark colors absorb heat compared to light colors, and mosquitoes are attracted to heat.
Light colors reflect heat.
This means mosquitoes will be less attractive to lighter colors, Buckner said.
Ditch Floral-Scented Soaps
Mosquitoes also use their sense of smell to pick a host.
A blend of odors from sweat and the skin microbiota helps the mosquitoes decide where to land and bite.
Westby said mosquitoes thrive in standing water and shady, humid environments.
This isnt a perfect solution, especially if your neighbors still have mosquito-breeding grounds.
The single best way to make yourself less attractive to mosquitoes is to wear a repellant, Westby said.
Additionally, applying a DEET-based repellent can provide significant protection when you’re outdoors.
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VanderGiessen M, Tallon AK, Damico B, Lahondere C, Vinauger C.Soap system alters mosquito-host interactions.iScience.
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