Things That Attract Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are not equal-opportunity biters. Whether out in the woods, camping, hiking, or at home in the backyard, some people seem to actually attract mosquitoes! They are constantly bitten while others are not so much. Why is that?

Maybe it’s because of one or more of these things…

WHAT ATTRACTS MOSQUITOES?

Avoid these things:

1. Dark Colors

Wearing dark clothes will attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can see and use their vision to locate targets from a distance. Most of their day-to-day targets will be found in the shade or within foliage, so they are naturally attracted to dark colors. This means that they will be more attracted to people wearing dark clothing than people wearing light clothing. Ask me how I know this!

Tip: This is the mosquito repellant that I’ve been using. It’s apparently better, and safer than DEET in my opinion. Reviewed by Consumer Reports in its list of safe insect repellents, effective up to 14 hours!

I may earn revenue from products available on this page (at no extra cost to you) and participate in affiliate programs.

Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray
(view on amzn)

2. Fragrances

Are mosquitoes attracted to fragrances or perfume? Yes, fragrances are known to attract mosquitoes. Avoid perfume, cologne, perfumed shampoos, hand creams, soaps, fabric softeners, detergents, etc. Switch to as many unscented products as you can during the summer to avoid mosquito bites.

3. Movement

Moving around will attract mosquitoes. They can see their victims from within 30 feet by locating the changes in light waves around them, caused by moving objects.

Tip: Extremely effective for applying on clothing, will not stain or damage clothes, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear, lasts up to 6 weeks (or 6 washings) :

Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent Spray
(view on amzn)

Another tip! I spray Permethrin on my hat – it really helps keep mosquitoes from biting my head area. I also spray my clothes if working outdoors while mosquitoes are biting.

[ Read: Permethrin Insect Repellent For Your Clothes – and How It Works ]

4. Sweat

Perspiring will attract mosquitoes because they need water to reproduce and are naturally attracted to areas with higher humidity levels. This includes people who are sweating. Perspiration will also dilute any mosquito repellents that you might have applied; making you more attractive to mosquitoes.

5. Carbon Dioxide

Your breathing! This is a big attractant – maybe the biggest. Your exhaled breath will attract mosquitoes big time. Mosquitoes are attracted to areas that are higher in carbon dioxide (living-breathing animals, humans). I’ve read that a mosquito can ‘see’ carbon dioxide from 200 yards away! Several people together will attract more mosquitoes than by yourself.

6. Body Heat

Mosquitoes have sophisticated heat sensors. They will be attracted to circulating blood in animals and humans – their heat. They follow body heat and exhaled gases and fly to their target!

7. Lactic Acid

It’s produced by our bodies after we exercise or after we eat certain types of food that are high in salt or potassium. Someone who is sitting outside eating pretzels and a banana will attract more mosquitoes than someone who is sitting outside eating watermelon.

Exercising causes your body to do three things that will make it attract mosquitoes. When you are breathing harder, meaning you are exhaling more carbon dioxide; you are sweating, which increases the humidity around your body; and you are releasing more lactic acid. You might as well be wearing a neon sign asking all mosquitoes to bite you.

8. Urine

Does urine/pee attract mosquitoes? Yes, urine attracts mosquitoes. Because of this, take care of this business further away from your camp (for example)…

 
Tip: Keep mosquitoes out of water fountains, water troughs, bird baths, rain barrels, lasts up to 30 days:

Mosquito Dunks
(amzn)

[ Read: Mosquito Control (How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes) ]