When you’re enjoying the outdoors but hear that familiar buzz of a dozen mosquitoes, you may wonder what you can do to keep them from biting you. One of the common questions about mosquitoes is whether they’re more attracted to certain colors than others.
In this post, we’ll explore colors that can attract or deter mosquitoes so you can choose the right hues for your outdoor lifestyle.
What colors are mosquitoes attracted to?
Compared to humans, mosquitoes see a smaller range of colors. 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.
What colors should I avoid in my outdoor living space to reduce mosquitoes?
When choosing colors to avoid mosquitoes, consider how you decorate your outdoor living space. Choose white wood, metal, plastic, or wicker furniture over black or dark bronze iron. When selecting cushions, doormats, and decorative accents, look for items in blues, purples, greens, and white to lower the likelihood of mosquito problems.
How do I prevent mosquitoes from swarming my backyard?
You can take other steps to control mosquitoes in your yard, including:
- Turning empty containers over when not in use to avoid collecting water
- Covering rain barrels, fire pit tables, and other items that can hold water
- Improving drainage around your home to reduce dampness
- Removing tree stumps
- Repairing leaky hoses and outdoor plumbing
- Cleaning your gutters regularly
- Mowing your lawn frequently
- Keeping your bushes and trees trimmed
- Adding an aerating pump or fountain to your backyard pond
Mosquito FAQs
How picky are these pests? We’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions about what attracts mosquitoes most.
Are mosquitoes attracted to certain smells?
Yes, mosquitoes use smell as a way to detect prey. The smells of body odor and skin can attract them. In addition, these pests detect carbon dioxide that you exhale when you breathe as well as your body heat. They’ve developed many ways to be able to seek out their next food source!
Are mosquitoes attracted to a particular blood type?
The answer to this question is complicated. A scientific study found that mosquitoes were more likely to bite people with type O blood. However, the researchers were later forced to retract their article when they discovered their statistics were inaccurate.
At this time, there is not enough evidence to prove that mosquitoes prefer one blood type or another, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Instead, it indicates that scientists still have more work to do to determine why some people are more prone to mosquito bites than others.
What type of clothes should I wear to protect myself from mosquitoes?
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, cover as much of your skin as possible by wearing long sleeves, full-length pants, and socks. Tuck your shirt in and choose styles with cuffs and collars to make it harder for mosquitoes to access your skin. Clothing made of cotton and linen can be good options for hot days due to their breathability.
Pest control services
To take mosquito prevention a step further, call Hawx Pest Control. Our licensed pest control technicians will inspect your outdoor living spaces and yard to identify things that could attract mosquitoes. Then we develop an effective, affordable treatment plan to address those risk factors and prevent mosquitoes from ruining your day.
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