Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light? What Attracts Them??

Mosquitoes are the unwanted guests in and around your home or business. Their bites can not only be itchy and irritating, but they can be a health hazard.

Mosquito Facts

Mosquitoes are considered a nocturnal insect. They are out early in the morning, or in the evening, when light is low. 

Artificial lights may make it more difficult for them to navigate, but they have their other senses to guide them to their target which is you1                                                                                  Only female mosquitoes that are looking to lay eggs bite. They need the nutrients from the blood to lay eggs. They can consume twice their body weight in blood! Otherwise, both male and female mosquitoes normally eat nectar.                                                                                    Mosquitoes feed through their proboscis, or their mouth part. It has six parts.  The first two parts, the mandible, and maxilla, are the biting parts. The mosquito’s saliva is what causes irritation and itching! It also clots blood.                                                                                            Unfortunately, mosquitoes aren’t just pests. They can be deadly. In fact, they are the deadliest animal on earth. They can carry diseases like West Nile Virus, the Zika virus, and malaria. If you’re going to be outside in the evening, it’s important to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?

Ultraviolet Light

Bug zappers and other UV light bug catchers will not attract mosquitoes. A few mosquitoes may wander in accidentally, but, overall, UV light is not an effective way to lure and kill mosquitoes.

Red and Yellow Light

Yellow light is less visible to mosquitoes. Warm light will make it harder for them to find a meal. These lights won’t repel the mosquitoes, but they won’t attract them either. Mosquitoes can still use their other senses to find someone to bite!     

Blue Light                                                                            

Blue light, like the light from LED bulbs, tends to be slightly more attractive to mosquitoes than warmer lights.

So, What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Dioxide is the gas you exhale. Basically, mosquitoes are drawn to breath. If you’re exercising, and breathing hard, they’re more likely to rush to you.

Sweat, Body Heat, and Body Odor

People who tend to have a higher body temperature will get more mosquito bites. Sweat is also really attractive as mosquitoes are naturally drawn to moisture. Activities that raise your body temperature and cause you to sweat will bring in the mosquitoes.

Perfume and Scented Lotions

Perfume and scented lotions may make you smell nice for more than just people! Studies have found that mosquitoes are attracted to floral scents.

So, when you see traps that use ultraviolent or any other light, don’t expect them to catch many mosquitos.