Avoid These Colors to Prevent Mosquito Bites this Summer

It is the time of year when the skies are filled with an annoying buzzing sound. Scientists predict a 'very bad' mosquito season, warning of a rise in insect-borne illnesses.

While sprays, candles, and creams can repel mosquitos, another method involves the color of clothing you wear. Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that mosquitos are attracted to red, orange, black, and cyan, but tend to ignore green, purple, blue, and white. This suggests that wearing the latter colors can help prevent mosquito bites this summer.

Jeffrey Riffell, a professor of biology at the University of Washington, emphasized the importance of avoiding red-colored clothing due to the attractiveness of this color to mosquitos. The study conducted in 2022 by tracking the behaviors of female yellow fever mosquitos found that certain colors can influence their preferences. It was observed that mosquitos are drawn to specific colors when exposed to a combination of visual and scent cues.

Mosquito season typically begins in March and extends into the fall. In 2023, Los Angeles, California had the largest infestation of mosquitos, followed by New York City, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. Urbanization and housing construction contribute to the increase in the mosquito population. The insects tend to breed in standing water, which can be eliminated to reduce their numbers.