Mosquitoes are a constant nuisance, especially during the summer months, and often leave us asking “How do they find us in the first place?” It turns out that mosquitoes have some fascinating methods for tracking their prey, using many senses to locate us in the dark or in open spaces. In this article, we’ll take a look at the various ways mosquitoes find their targets and how we can fight back.
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Mosquitoes Use Their Senses To Find Prey
Mosquitoes have a variety of sensors that help them hone in on their target. These specialized sensors allow them to detect things like carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and different types of scents. Different mosquito species can also identify targets based on differences in body temperature, as well as visual clues like clothing color or movement.
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of human breathing, and certain species of mosquitoes can detect a human presence up to 60 meters away with their sensitive CO2 receptors. Some species can even sniff out their targets from distances of up to 100 meters or more.
Lactic acid
Mosquitoes can also detect lactic acid, a compound found in sweat, which can be used to pinpoint a human target. Lactic acid production varies by individual, which explains why some people seem to be targeted more than others.
Scent receptors
Mosquitoes are also equipped with olfactory receptors that allow them to smell certain chemicals, like lactic acid or perfumes. Different species have different sensitivity to these various scents.
Visual cues
Mosquitoes also rely on visual cues to find their targets, such as clothing color or movement. A human’s body temperature is also a factor, as mosquitoes deploy heat-seeking sensors to find warm-blooded targets.
How To Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET or other approved repellents.
- Stay inside around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Install window and door screens at home to keep mosquitoes out.
- Add fans to the patio or porch to create a breeze that will make it hard for mosquitoes to fly.
- Keep standing water sources away from your home to reduce breeding grounds.
In conclusion, mosquitoes use several sensors and cues to find their targets, such as carbon dioxide, lactic acid, scents, heat, and visual cues. Taking preventive steps to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes like wearing light-colored clothing, using repellent, and staying indoors away from breeding grounds can help reduce your chances of being targeted.
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Last update 2021-04-18. Price and product availability may change.