The pesky mosquito is more than a nuisance – it is a pest that can, at best, cause an annoying bite – and, at worst, spread disease. It is, therefore, understandable that you will want to keep the creature out of your home – particularly in the summer when it thrives.
But knowing how to get rid of mosquitoes goes beyond eliminating standing water and using the correct repellent.Experts have warned that certain colors impact mosquito activity in your home – meaning your color ideas matter more than ever in the season of this pest.
So if mosquitoes are a problem in your home, it may be worth taking note of the colors they love so you can hide them away (all the while planting out some mosquito repellent plants) to further discourage these unwanted visitors.
4 colors that attract mosquitos – according to experts
(Image credit: GettyImages)
'Mosquitoes have compound eyes, meaning their eyesight is much poorer than ours. Like most insects, mosquitoes perceive the world in blurs of shapes and colors rather than crisp, detailed images,' explains Emma Grace Crumbley, an Entomologist with Mosquito Squad.
Therefore, the expert suggests mosquitoes rely on other factors such as CO2, heat, movement, and scents to navigate their flight and locate hosts and food sources.
With this in mind, these four colors are most attractive to the creature.
1. Black
(Image credit: Future/ Paul Massey)
Black and white living room ideas may have their aesthetic qualities, but it certainly has their appeal to mosquitoes, too. Sholom Rosenbloom, the Owner of Rosenbloom Pest Control, suggests that the attraction comes from the creature's need to avoid direct sunlight (since prolonged exposure to the sun can cause dehydration and early death of the mosquito).
'This is why we see them more during dusk and dawn; because the sun threatens them,' he says.
In a similar way that black attracts mosquitoes, other dark and saturated colors have the same effect. At the peak of that list is dark blue. Emma says that dark blue (and other similar colors) are attractive to the creature who detect the heat absorbed and held by darker colors.
'They are therefore inclined to investigate for potential hosts (as hosts, like humans, also give off heat),' the expert says.
These colors are so powerful that scientists use them as a force of attraction when surveilling for mosquitoes by assembling dark-colored mosquito traps (often called 'black traps').
3. Red
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)
Regardless of skin tone, red 'wavelengths' are detected by mosquitoes, meaning red is one of the colors that are most sought-after amongst this pest. Emma references current research that shows that exposure to odors such as CO2 'triggers mosquito attraction' to colors like red – meaning they are likely to swarm towards red room ideas in search of prey.
'Scientists believe mosquitoes use special temperature sensors to detect the presence of warm-blooded prey,' Sholom adds.
4. Oranges
(Image credit: Michael Sinclair)
Just as red is favored amongst mosquitoes, orange projects the same 'wavelength' and is similarly attractive to the creature. 'Perhaps this again is due to the limited detail in the insect's sight, and detection of a shape distinct from its background hints to the insect that a potential host is nearby,' Emma explains in her discussion of the popular tone.
However, it is important to remember that mosquito attraction combines sight and scent. 'As such, multiple approaches should be taken to protect yourself from mosquito bites when working inside and outside your home. Whether you create a homemade bug spray or wear light colors that are not on the host wavelength, it is vital to protect yourself against this pest this season (and always).
What colors are best for repelling mosquitoes?
The best colors for repelling mosquitoes, according to researchers at the University of Washington, are white, green, blue and purple. That isn't because mosquitoes don't like these colors, but because they reflect heat and light, which mosquitoes really don't like, which is why they start to emerge at dusk.
One study found that red, orange, cyan (blue-green), and black tend to draw mosquitoes, while colors that make you more difficult to see can repel mosquitoes, including white, green, blue, and purple.
To reduce the possibility of a mosquito biting you, you could consider wearing white, green or blue. Lighter colors are less interesting to mosquitos than darker shades like navy and black, red or orange. However, clothing color alone is unlikely to keep mosquitos away for good.
Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents, including citronella, peppermint, cedar, catnip, patchouli, lemongrass, lavender and more. You can add some of these plants to your landscaping to fend them off.
Bugs naturally are attracted to vibrant colors such as orange, yellow, or white. Colours such as blue and green will not register as vividly when viewed in the ultraviolet spectrum, which deters bugs away from those colored items.
Considering mosquitoes are known to be attracted to darker colors, the study revealed blue was unpopular with the pests. Unlike the heat absorbent, navy blue tones, lighter blues actually reflect more heat and light — which mosquitoes do not like.
One study found that red, orange, cyan (blue-green), and black tend to draw mosquitoes, while colors that make you more difficult to see can repel mosquitoes, including white, green, blue, and purple. Based on these findings, wearing pastels in cooler hues may reduce your risk of bites.
A study in Nature found that a compound in deodorants (isopropyl tetradecanoate) repelled mosquitoes by preventing them from landing on the surface coated in deodorant. In fact, there was a 56% decrease in the number of mosquito landings.
Although mosquitoes are attracted to light, many people find that yellow bulbs are the best choice. Since light at this wavelength is less visible to the pests, they are less successful in using it to locate a meal.
Warm-colored outdoor lighting is less attractive to bugs.
If you don't want to be bugged out every time you walk outside your home after dark in the warmer months, consider warm-colored lights, such as warm white LED. Bugs are less attracted to yellow and orange hues.
Does painting a porch ceiling blue keep bugs away? While the belief that blue porch ceilings deter insects may have originated from the use of lye in older paints, modern science suggests that it's more of a myth than a reality.
While mosquitoes do seem to be attracted to specific blood types, there isn't one that mosquitoes completely dislike or avoid. However, studies have found that mosquitoes are generally less attracted to individuals with Type A blood, especially when given the choice to feast on our Type O friends.
The most effective mosquito repelling products recommended by the Center for Disease Control are repellents that contain DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and picaridin. So when you purchase your mosquito repellent, be sure to buy one that includes one of these ingredients.
Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water, such as vases or flowerpot saucers, to remove mosquito eggs and larvae. Use an indoor insecticide if you still have mosquitoes in your home after installing and repairing screens and emptying and scrubbing containers.
Although mosquitoes are attracted to light, many people find that yellow bulbs are the best choice. Since light at this wavelength is less visible to the pests, they are less successful in using it to locate a meal.
Take steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites that can make you sick. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin.
Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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