If you’ve ever been bitten by a mosquito, you know how annoying it can be. Not only do mosquitos carry diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika, but they also make us itch for days!
But did you know there are some colors that can help you avoid being bitten?
Let us know more about how colors can help you avoid mosquito bites.
Colors that help you repel mosquitoes
1. Blue
For years, people have been using the color blue to keep mosquitoes away. But does it really work?
According to some experts, the answer is yes – but only if the blue is dark enough.
Navy blue absorbs heat, which can attract insects like mosquitoes. But lighter colors like sky blue reflect heat, making them less attractive to these pests.
So if you’re looking for a way to keep mosquitoes at bay, stick to darker shades of blue.
2. Green
Most people are aware that mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, but did you know that green is one of the least attractive colors to them? Research has shown that by wearing green gloves, you can effectively avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes use color cues to find their preferred human blood host. In a study conducted at Pennsylvania State University, researchers found that when they wore green gloves while holding their hands outside a mosquito-repelling chamber, the insects were much less likely to bite than when they had bare hands.
While more research needs to be done to determine why exactly mosquitoes are less attracted to green, it’s thought that the color may interfere with the insect’s visual system. Whatever the reason, if you’re looking to keep mosquitoes at bay, consider donning some green gloves next time you’re outdoors!
3. Violet
We all know that mosquitoes are attracted to light, but did you know that different colors of light can have different effects on them? While mosquitoes are most attracted to blue and violet light, they are actually repelled by red and yellow light.
So, if you’re looking for a natural way to keep mosquitoes away, try using violet-colored lights! Not only will they help keep the pests at bay, but they’ll also give your outdoor space a beautiful purple glow.
4. White
When it comes to avoiding mosquitoes, white may be the best color you can choose. In a recent study, researchers found that mosquitoes were more likely to avoid white objects than any other color.
Even in a CO2-filled chamber, which simulated the conditions of a human breaths, mosquitoes avoided the white object. This suggests that mosquitoes are less attracted to humans when they wear white clothing.
So if you’re looking to avoid mosquito bites, consider wearing white the next time you head outdoors.
Tips to avoid mosquito bites
1. Covering up
One of the best ways to avoid mosquito bites is to cover up as much skin as possible. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants whenever possible, and try to stick to light-colored clothing since mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors. If you’ll be outside for an extended period of time, consider spraying your clothes with a mosquito repellent designed for clothing.
2. Use repellents
One of the best ways to avoid mosquito bites is to use repellents. Repellents work by making it difficult for mosquitoes to land on your skin and bite you. There are a variety of repellents available, including sprays, lotions, and candles. You can find repellents that contain a variety of different ingredients, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535.
When using repellents, be sure to follow the instructions on the label. Apply the repellent to exposed skin or clothing (never under clothing). Avoid applying repellent to broken or irritated skin. If you are using a spray repellent, be sure to apply it in a well-ventilated area.
Never spray repellent directly onto your face – instead, spray it onto your hands first and then rub it onto your face avoiding eyes and mouth. After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water and wash treated clothing before wearing again.
3. Wear light colors
As the weather gets warmer, we all want to break out our cute spring and summer clothes. But if you’re trying to avoid mosquito bites, you might want to stick to light-colored clothing.
Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors like black and navy blue, so they’re more likely to bite you if you’re wearing those colors. If you wear light colors like white or khaki, you’re less likely to be bitten because mosquitoes are not as attracted to those colors.
4. Avoid drinking alcohol
Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale, as well as the lactic acid and other chemicals that our bodies emit. Drinking alcohol can actually make you more attractive to mosquitoes, because it increases the amount of CO2 you exhale and makes your skin warmer (which they love). So if you’re trying to avoid mosquito bites, it’s best to stay away from beer, wine, and cocktails.
5. Don’t get pregnant
If you’re not pregnant, chances are you won’t be as big of a target for mosquitoes. That’s because mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that pregnant women exhale at a higher rate than non-pregnant women. So, if you’re not pregnant, you may be able to avoid mosquito bites by staying away from areas where there are high concentrations of mosquitoes or by wearing mosquito repellent.
6. Turn on your fan
Mosquitoes are attracted to the CO2 that we exhale with each breath. When we’re sitting in a room with little or no air circulation, they can easily zero in on us. But when there’s a breeze, it confuses their sense of smell and they have a harder time finding us. So, if you’re trying to avoid being bitten, make sure to turn on a fan before you sit down in your outdoor space.
If you don’t have access to a fan, another way to create a breeze is to simply open up all the doors and windows in your home. This will allow fresh air to circulate and make it more difficult for mosquitoes to find you. Just be sure to close everything up again once night falls as mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn.
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