Mosquitoes and color Attraction

For Essex County Massachusetts, we know with warmer weather and the spring showers bring the bugs. Especially the ticks and mosquitoes!

Scientists are warning it will be a particularly severe mosquito season with increased risk of insect-borne illnesses. 

While traditional repellents like sprays and candles are common, a recent study by the University of Washington highlights the importance of clothing color in preventing mosquito bites. Researchers found that mosquitoes are attracted to red, orange, black, and cyan, while ignoring green, purple, blue, and white. This discovery suggests that wearing less attractive colors can be an effective strategy to avoid bites.

The study tracked the behavior of female yellow fever mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti, in response to visual and scent cues. When exposed to carbon dioxide, which humans exhale and mosquitoes can detect, the insects were drawn to dots of red, orange, black, and cyan. Interestingly, the shade of human skin, which emits a strong red signature, also attracts mosquitoes. The study indicates that filtering out these colors or wearing less attractive ones can reduce mosquito bites, adding a fourth cue to the previously known attractors: breath, sweat, and skin temperature.

Mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, are known for spreading diseases like dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. The study's findings offer a practical tip for the upcoming mosquito season: avoid wearing red, orange, black, and cyan to minimize the risk of bites. As mosquito season lasts from March through fall, and urban areas like Los Angeles, New York City, and Dallas-Ft. Worth see high infestations, this advice is timely and could help mitigate the impact of these pests.