Mosquitoes are tiny insects that are commonly found all around the world. They are known to be the carriers of several deadly diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, which can lead to severe health issues, even death.

Therefore, it is very crucial to know how to keep mosquitoes away. In this article, we will discuss the science behind mosquito attraction and repulsion.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

According to a recent study by the National Institute of Health, there are several factors that attract mosquitoes. Some of the most common factors are:.

1. Body Odor

The odor that our bodies emit can attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes have a highly sensitive sense of smell and can detect the presence of a human from as far as 50 meters away.

Carbon dioxide is one of the key chemicals that mosquitoes can detect, and that’s why they are particularly attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale. Additionally, mosquitoes also have a particular liking for sweaty skin.

2. Certain Colors

Mosquitoes are also attracted to certain colors. Colors such as black, blue, and red are known to attract mosquitoes, while lighter colors like white or yellow tend to repel them.

3. Moisture

Mosquitoes prefer to breed in areas with standing water and high levels of moisture. They are attracted to the humidity and heat that our bodies emit, which is why they tend to bite more during the summers.

4. Blood Type

Research has shown that mosquitoes have a preference for certain blood types. They tend to bite people with type O blood more compared to people with other blood types.

Additionally, people with a larger body mass and pregnant women tend to attract more mosquitoes.

How to Repel Mosquitoes

If you are someone who gets bitten by mosquitoes too often, then you need to know how to repel them. Here are some of the most effective ways to repel mosquitoes:.

1. Use Mosquito Repellents

The most common and effective way to repel mosquitoes is by using mosquito repellents. There are several mosquito repellents available in the market, including sprays, creams, gels, and lotions.

Most of these repellents contain chemicals such as DEET, Picaridin or IR3535 that can keep mosquitoes away.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

Wearing protective clothing can also help repel mosquitoes. Clothes that are made from tightly woven fabrics can prevent mosquitoes from biting through them.

Additionally, wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks can also be helpful, especially during the summers.

3. Use Mosquito Nets

Mosquito nets are also an effective way to repel mosquitoes, particularly while sleeping. Mosquito nets form a physical barrier between you and the mosquitoes and can prevent them from biting you.

4. Use Natural Repellents

Natural mosquito repellents are also a good alternative to chemical-based repellents. These repellents include essential oils such as citronella, lavender, and lemon eucalyptus oil.

These natural repellents can be applied to the skin or can be used in diffusers to repel mosquitoes.

5. Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, and by eliminating any standing water around your home, you can prevent them from breeding. Make sure to eliminate any standing water in your home, including water in flower pots, pet water dishes, and birdbaths.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mosquitoes are tiny insects that can cause severe health issues. Knowing how to repel them can be very beneficial. By understanding the science behind mosquito attraction and repulsion, you can take the necessary steps to keep them away.

Use mosquito repellents, wear protective clothing, use mosquito nets, and eliminate standing water around your home to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.