If you are planning to spend lots of time outside this summer, we have some wardrobe suggestions for you. As you know, mosquito populations are on the rise once again while temperatures. Unlike decades prior, mosquitoes are experiencing dramatic and consistent population booms because of the hot, humid summers we have in the Northeast. Spring is arriving earlier, and the warmer weather is extending further into the fall. As a result, more and more mosquitoes are showing up every year, which means you need to know how to keep them away. Understanding how mosquitoes work and target their victims has been a topic of interest for researchers over generations, and we are finally starting to get answers. Mosquitoes are largely indiscriminate in their blood-harvesting methods, stealing blood from animals ranging from humans to lizards. However, researchers have found similarities between victims relating to the gases they emit and the colors they wear or are born with.

The main way that mosquitoes will identify their prey is with their finely attuned carbon dioxide detectors. All animals emit CO2 during the process of respiration, and humans emit a lot of this gas, making us a prime target. Scientists have known about mosquitoes using CO2 to recognize their meals, but there appears to be another mechanism that leads them to target some prey more than others, and it relates to color. In a controlled environment, researchers exposed the Aedes aegypti mosquito to CO2, effectively priming the insects to look for a meal. Then, the researchers allowed the mosquitoes to fly around a space that contained an array of colored dots. What the scientists found was that mosquitoes flew more quickly towards and lingered longer around the colors red, orange, black, and cyan. Mosquitoes target these colors because, in their vision, humans and other animals appear various shades of red and orange, and other colors could represent other potential food sources. So, next time you go outside, think twice about wearing colors that could make you more attractive to mosquitoes. The best way to avoid mosquitoes, however, is with professionally applied mosquito control.

Can Rye mosquito control defend you this summer?

At Mosquito Squad, we’ve provided our customers with comprehensive mosquito control since 2005. Using our barrier protection spray, we can guarantee up to a 90% reduction in the mosquito population on your property. With an application every 2 weeks with our premium protection program, we can defend you throughout the summer and fall. Further, if you have a special event coming up, we also offer special event mosquito sprays that will keep you and your guests defended against mosquitoes for the duration of your event. Whatever your mosquito control needs, we’ve got you covered.

Mosquitoes are attracted to orange, red, cyan, and black. Mosquito Squad of Southern Westchester & Rockland County provides Rye mosquito control, so worry not about the colors you wear! Give us a call at (914) 533-1159.