What to wear to avoid mosquito bites. Color matters

Research by scientists from the University of Washington has shown that mosquitoes choose a victim based on smell and color spectrum. The authors of the work concluded that some shades attract insects more than others. But all in order.

Sanitary doctor, disinfectologist.

Tells whether clothes of a certain color helps to protect against mosquitoes.

What color and smell attracts mosquitoes

In search of a “victim” mosquitoes are oriented primarily on the sense of smell. Insects are attracted by the presence of carbon dioxide in the air, the odor of which they can smell at a great distance from the source. When mosquitoes get closer, they orient themselves by sight. At this stage, certain colors such as red, orange, black, blue are the signal for action. At the same time, mosquitoes avoid such colors as purple, green, white and blue.

Nicholas: Regardless of the pigment, human skin emits a bright red-orange light for insects, which is what mosquitoes recognize. Through some colors this signal can be seen better, through others – worse. The main thing – when choosing protective clothing from blood-sucking insects try to cover the body as much as possible. Slippery fabrics, such as raincoat or tarpaulin, are well suited. Through them it will be difficult for the mosquito to reach you. Other dense, non-reflective materials are also suitable.

Mosquitoes are also attracted by the strong odor of perfume, so do not be perfumed, going to the nature. Insects also pay attention to the odors of active metabolism. So, for example, they often bite pregnant and exercising women (due to high body temperature), people in a state of alcohol intoxication (due to alcoholic vapors).

What to do to protect yourself from mosquitoes

As it turns out, not all people mosquitoes “like” to bite. And not everyone bites people at all. Only females drink blood, and only to lay eggs. In normal times, they feed, like males, on plant nectar.

MD, pediatrician, nutriciologist, co-founder of the Academy of doctors UniProf

Mosquitoes prefer children, people with thin skin and sweating profusely. To protect yourself from bites in nature, it is necessary to wear clothes that cover the maximum area of the body, preferably from dense light-colored fabrics. Mosquito nets are necessary to protect the premises.

If you go to nature, to places where these insects congregate, do not forget to take protective equipment and anti-allergenic drugs.

There are many synthetic sprays, ointments and pills against mosquito bites. But such means can cause poisoning, often unsafe for children and allergic people.

Irina: You can use natural substances. Essential oils (vanillin, cedar, clove, anise, eucalyptus) will help to fumigate the house. They can also be smeared on the exposed parts of the body. You can treat the surface of the skin with a decoction of wheatgrass and juniper oil.

Mosquitoes are not the only nuisance that you can encounter in nature. Read about how to protect yourself from tick bites in the article at the link.