Summer evenings are perfect for relaxing and unwinding outdoors, but pesky mosquitoes can quickly ruin the mood.
While most of us know mosquitoes are attracted to our body heat and the carbon dioxide we exhale, there’s still much confusion about whether these insects head toward our brightly lit homes and decks.
Are mosquitoes attracted to light, or is this another insect myth? Keep reading to find out more!
What Entices Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are the bane of summertime outdoor activities. When you’re enjoying a barbecue or a picnic in the park, these tiny pests buzz around, ready to suck your blood and ruin your day.
But have you ever wondered why mosquitoes are so attracted to you in particular? A few key factors make certain people more attractive to these pesky insects than others.
One of the main things that mosquitoes are attracted to is body heat. As we go about our day, our bodies generate heat, which is like a beacon to mosquitoes. Dark clothing can absorb more heat and make you more visible to mosquitoes.
They’re also attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale, which they can detect up to 50 meters away. The more active you are, the more likely you lure in mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes also have a keen sense of smell and are drawn to various scents. Certain fragrances and perfumes can make you more inviting to mosquitoes, as can the smell of sweat and your body odor.
Perhaps the most important thing mosquitoes are attracted to is standing water, where they lay their eggs and breed. If you have standing water around your home, such as in a birdbath or a clogged gutter, you’re more likely to have a mosquito problem.
Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?
Of course, mosquitoes suck– literally. But are mosquitoes attracted to light outdoors?
The short answer is no, but the reality is a bit more complicated than that.
Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes are not actually attracted to light in the same way that moths or other flying insects are.
They avoid brightly lit areas, as bright lights disorient and confuse them. You might notice fewer mosquitoes around your outdoor lighting fixtures than in darker areas of your yard.
But some fixtures may draw mosquitoes near. Are mosquitoes attracted to light sources like ultraviolet lamps or bulbs?
These pests have special sensors that allow them to detect UV light, which is present in the glow of certain types of light bulbs. Bug zappers, which use UV light to attract insects, are sometimes effective at killing mosquitoes.
That said, simply turning on a light bulb will not likely attract mosquitoes to your location or even turn them away. Instead, they’re much more likely to be drawn to your body heat, the carbon dioxide you exhale, and the scents you emit.
These factors, along with the presence of standing water and other environmental aspects, ultimately determine whether mosquitoes bite you.
Keeping Mosquitoes Away from Light Sources
Mosquitoes are not typically attracted to light. However, if you’re concerned about them congregating around your outdoor lighting fixtures, you can take a few steps to keep them at bay.
One of the simplest things you can do is to use yellow bug lights instead of traditional white bulbs. These bulbs emit a soft yellow glow that is less likely to attract mosquitoes and other flying insects.
You can also place your lighting fixtures away from areas where you spend time outside, such as your patio or deck.
Another option is installing screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home. This is especially important in the evenings when mosquitoes are most active, and you’re more likely to have your lights on.
Also, natural mosquito repellents like citronella candles can keep mosquitoes away from your outdoor spaces. These products emit a scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant, which can help to deter them from coming near you.
By taking these simple steps, you can keep mosquitoes at bay and enjoy outdoor spaces without worrying about these pesky insects.
5 More Tips for Mosquito Prevention
Besides the above suggestions, you can try a few other options to keep mosquitoes at bay and away from your yard.
- Remove standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so removing any sources of standing water from your property is essential. This includes things like bird baths, flower pots, and obstructed gutters.
- Wear long clothing: When you spend time outside in the evening, consider wearing long sleeves and pants to minimize the amount of exposed skin mosquitoes can bite.
- Use mosquito nets: If you’re camping or spending time outdoors in a heavily wooded area, consider using mosquito nets over your sleeping area to protect yourself from bites.
- Avoid scented products: Mosquitoes are attracted to certain scents, so avoid wearing scented products like perfumes, lotions, and hair products when you spend time outside in the evenings.
- Use mosquito repellent: There is a variety of mosquito repellent products available, including sprays, lotions, and wristbands. Look for products that contain DEET or picaridin, which are both effective at repelling mosquitoes.
Using a combination of these tips, you can keep mosquitoes at bay and enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about pesky bites.
But what should you do for longer-lasting mosquito protection? That’s where the experts at proof. come in!
We know how annoying mosquitoes can be, especially as you’re trying to enjoy the warm summer days outside on your lawn. With our mosquito and tick treatment service, proof. can keep you bite-free throughout the spring and summer!
Why wait for mosquitoes to take up shop around your property? Give us a call to keep your lawn mosquito and tick-free this year!