A new study indicates that the colors of the clothes we wear may sometimes be behind the exposure to mosquito bites more.
According to the study, mosquitoes may be more attracted to certain colors of clothing, and avoiding these colors may help avoid mosquito bites that cause annoying itching.
The researchers used a 3D tracking system and a wind tunnel along with visual and odor clues to test mosquito bite behaviors, concluding that the pests are more attracted to people who wear red, orange or black clothes, and they also tend to ignore green, purple, blue and white.
Scientists have observed that human skin, regardless of its general colour, gives a strong red signal to the eyes of mosquitoes.
Scientists believe color could be another way to prevent mosquito bites. However, there have been only a few studies like this one so not much is known about the insect’s color preferences.
“There are many different things that attract mosquitoes,” Pasco County Mosquito Control Executive Adrian Rogers explained.
These findings suggest color may be one of them. However, Rogers said more research is needed because sweat and skin temperature also play a role in how mosquitoes identify a host.
“Relying solely on color will provide a false sense of security and will not give you the protection you need,” Adrian said.
Knowing what lures mosquitoes opens the door to developing better repellents and traps, according to the study. Rogers recommends that people rely on insect spray, cover up and avoid outdoors when mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn.
The summer rainy season in Florida is prime time for mosquitoes. In Pasco County, technicians go out five days a week looking for pesky insects.
“We try to target them as immature as possible to be proactive in mosquito control,” Adrian Rogers added.
The cause of a mosquito bite begins with a scent, and they are drawn to breathe, Rogers said. “From a distance, mosquitoes find columns of carbon dioxide in the air, and that really drives them to a certain area.”
A new study from the University of Washington found that once vampires catch that smell of carbon dioxide, they turn to certain shades of color to find a host.