Mosquitoes are a common problem for many of proof.’s clients. Whether you’re enjoying a day at the park or just spending time in your backyard, mosquitoes can leave you with a few itchy bites!
Sometimes, you may even find bug bites in places covered by your shirt or pants. Can mosquitoes bite through clothes and leave itchy bites when you’re fully covered?
Check out our article, and we’ll answer your pressing mosquito questions and give you tips on how to keep mosquitoes at bay this summer!
What Attracts Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes can pop up anywhere. You may spot them buzzing around your yard or flitting through the trees on a long hike. It’s not summertime until you spot these pests flying as the sun sets!
Whenever you notice an increase in mosquito bites, you may be left wondering, “Can mosquitoes bite through clothes?” Just know that some factors may make you more susceptible to bites.
But, what really draws in these pests? Here’s what may attract mosquitoes to your yard and make them bite you:
- Standing water
- Dark clothing
- Warm temperatures
- Carbon dioxide
- Body heat
- Certain blood types
If you have standing water on your property, mosquitoes will choose these areas to lay their eggs. These pests typically flock toward fresh water and may lay eggs in lakes, water buckets, or toys full of rain.
Warm temperatures also bring out mosquitoes in droves. As the days heat up, you’ll notice them darting around outdoors. Because mosquitoes head toward carbon dioxide emissions and body heat, they’ll fly straight toward your location.
However, some people may get bitten more than others. According to Smithsonian Magazine, mosquitoes are more likely to bite people with O blood types over Type A and B. Other factors like pregnancy, higher cholesterol concentrations on your skin, and skin bacteria may make mosquitoes bite you more!
Darker clothing items retain sunlight and body heat more than lighter-colored pieces, drawing the mosquitoes near. Whenever you head outside in black, navy, or grey clothing, mosquitoes may bite you more.
Can Mosquitoes Bite Through Clothes?
So, the big question is: Can mosquitoes bite through clothes?
Unfortunately, mosquitoes can bite through clothes! Mosquitoes are more likely to attack exposed skin but can still pierce through covered areas to reach your hidden blood vessels.
While tight-fitting clothing may protect you from ticks, mosquitoes can easily bypass the fabric to bite you. Fabrics like spandex, polyester, or gauze won’t provide protection against mosquitoes. If you wear looser or thicker clothing, you’re less likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.
A stray mosquito won’t typically try biting through layers of clothing, but that won’t stop a persistent pest! Check out this video of a mosquito trying to bite a person through loose netting.
How can Mosquitoes Bite Through Clothes?
Mosquitoes suck your blood through an appendage called a proboscis. Comprised of six sharp needles, it can swiftly pierce your skin and allow the insect to pierce through layers of your skin for blood.
Their small size typically prevents you from feeling a bite, so mosquitoes can swiftly find a blood vessel without you noticing, effortlessly puncturing thin fabrics.
If you’re wearing leather or denim, the mosquitoes will have a harder time breaking through the tough fabrics to reach your skin. When you plan to visit areas rife with mosquitoes, here’s what to avoid:
- Tight jeans, pants, shirts, or leggings
- Dark-colored clothing
- Loose necklines
- Open back garments
- Exposed ankles
Always wear protective clothing when you’re around mosquitoes or other outdoor pests. The right clothes will protect you from annoying bites and prevent you from acquiring a mosquito-transmitted disease.
Mosquito bites aren’t typically dangerous on their own unless you’re allergic to mosquitoes. If you scratch or pick at the bites, they could become infected, leading to potential complications without medical attention.
However, mosquitoes can transmit debilitating diseases with their bites. You could become very ill if a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus, Zika, or malaria bites you. The CDC reports that 1 in every 150 cases of West Nile Virus progresses into a debilitating condition, occasionally leading to death.
While mosquitoes are dangerous insects, you can reduce your chances of getting bitten by using bug spray or contacting a pest control agency to come and remove the mosquitoes on your property.
Let proof. Handle Mosquitoes!
We know how much mosquitoes suck– literally. Instead of sharing your backyard with these blood-sucking pests, let proof. pest control eliminate them for you!
With our residential mosquito pest control service, we will apply a larvacide to breeding grounds and spray a fogging treatment throughout your yard. This will remove adult mosquitoes and prevent their young from reproducing!
When in doubt, rely on proof. to deliver a quality service that works. Our technicians are proud to serve your pest control needs! Contact us today to schedule a mosquito treatment or learn more about our services!
