What colors attract mosquitoes? Pest control pros reveal the 3 shades that make you a 'target' for mosquitoes, and how to become 'invisible' to them

The pesky mosquito is more than a nuisance. At best it causes an annoying bite, and at worst, spreads dangerous diseases. Knowing what colors attract mosquitoes will help you successefully repel them.

Recent studies reveal that the three color culprits that draw mosquitoes in to bite you are red, black, and dark blue, with some important caveats.

Pest control experts reveal how to easily leverage this information to get rid of mosquitoes and stop them invading your space.

What 3 colors attract mosquitoes?

Red, black, and dark blue make you easier to spot for mosquitoes, who have bad eyesight. Emma Grace Crumbley, an entomologist with Mosquito Squad explains, 'Mosquitoes have compound eyes, meaning their eyesight is much poorer than ours. Like most insects, mosquitoes perceive the world in blurs of shapes and colors rather than crisp, detailed images.'

That is why these pesky biters rely more on sensing carbon dioxide and colors to find prey and breeding grounds, adds Dr. Tracy Ellis, pest control expert and entomologist at Farm Sense.

She explains, ‘Mosquitoes use vision to identify hosts by looking for these contrasting silhouettes against the sky or surrounding vegetation. Wearing lighter colors, such as white or pastel shades, can possibly reduce your visibility to mosquitoes and decrease your chances of being bugged by them.'

1. Reds and oranges

Kyle Boureston, inventor and founder at MosGone Moquito Control begins, ‘Reds and oranges are particular favorites for mosquitoes. These higher-contrast hues mimic both the spectral reflectance cues of human skin and the contrast cues of a body, making them think you're a good target.’

A recent study in the Journal of Nature Communications corroborates this. Using a 'real-time 3D tracking system and a wind tunnel,' the researchers were able to understand the behavior of more than 1.3 million mosquito journeys, which showed COz concentrations and colors were the leading things that put a target on you.

Kyle explains there was a 'sensitivity to orange and red correlates with mosquitoes’ strong attraction to the color spectrum of human skin, which is dominated by these wavelengths.'

It is important to note, however, that mosquitoes were especially attracted to these colors when they could smell blood and sense CO₂, meaning that pairing lighter, neutral colors with homemade bug sprays or homemade mosquito repellent can improve your chances of getting rid of mosquitoes naturally by making you invisible to them.

Don't fancy a DIY dolution? Consider the affordable OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent from Amazon, which is approved by the EPA. However, be careful how you store insect repellent in the summer heat to keep it effective.

2. Black

Black is another common color that attracts mosquitoes. Kyle explains, ‘When they're looking for a place to lay eggs, black containers consistently receive the most eggs laid, since they better resemble natural breeding sites like tree hollows or shaded water holes.'

However, this color comes with a caveat. The Nature Communications study found that, 'This species is not attracted to black objects in the absence of CO₂, but after encountering a CO₂ plume, they become highly attracted to such objects. Other cues (heat, water vapor, skin volatiles) mediate behaviors such as landing and biting.'

This means the color black is more likely to be an attractant if you are wearing it, or it is close to your body, such as patio furniture, as this puts the color near you as you breathe out, releasing CO₂ around you.

Using the scents that deter mosquitoes, such as outdoor citronella candles, available at Walmart, can help to keep these pesky bugs at bay while you enjoy your black outdoor furniture in peace.

Alternatively, try planting some mosquito repellent plants around your outdoor seating ideas to keep them away.

3. Navy blue

In a similar way that black attracts mosquitoes, other dark and saturated colors have the same effect. At the peak of that list is dark blue. Entomologist Emma says that dark blue (and other similar colors) are attractive to the creatures that detect the heat absorbed and held by darker colors.

She explains, 'They are therefore inclined to investigate for potential hosts (as hosts, like humans, also give off heat).'

Dr Tracy adds, 'It is also believed that this is due to the way that this darker color contrasts against the environment and the biology of a mosquito’s vision.'

Avoiding these dark blue hues when painting a house exterior or decorating patios is a great way to keep mosquitoes away from the front door, discouraging them from easy access, high-traffic areas.

It can also be helpful to avoid these shades to get rid of mosquitoes in a kitchen, if your cookspace has unscreened windows or large patio doors, they can easily access.

Mosquito control essentials

FAQs

What stops mosquitoes from biting you?

The best way to stop mosquitoes from biting you is to wear protective clothing in colors that repel them, such as white and green, and use a bug spray to dissuade them. It is also helpful to stay in areas where mosquitoes cannot access you, such as screened porches or sun rooms, and run a fan nearby to disrupt their flight path.

Meet the experts

Emma Grace Crumbley

Emma Grace is an entomologist and science communicator from Atlanta, Georgia, now based in New York. She received her formal training from the University of Georgia, where she studied Entomology and Applied Biotechnology. Through her role as Mosquito Squad Plus' entomologist, Emma Grace provides assistance with pest identification, treatment guidance, and explanations of pest trends to both Mosquito Squad Plus technicians and customers alike.

Dr. Tracy Ellis

Dr Tracy Ellis is an award-winning entomologist at FarmSense. She has extensive experience in working with farmers, government agencies, stakeholders, and communities surrounding pest detection, monitoring, regulation, and suppression tactics. Her research has significantly impacted biopesticide discovery, innovation, and commercialization.

If you are rushing to redecorate your home or patio to finally bid these biters goodbye, why not try using some of the colors that repel mosquitoes to better your chances of enjoying a pest-free summer each year.