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Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?

Mosquitoes show the most activity at dusk and dawn when the light from the sun is low. In the daytime, mosquitoes like to rest in shady areas. When searching for hosts, mosquitoes use light to navigate. However, mosquitoes do not process light the same way that we do. 

Mosquitoes navigate using the moon and stars’ natural light. This means that artificial lights can naturally deter mosquitoes and throw them off of their course.

Are mosquitoes attracted to light? | Knoxville TN | Russell's Pest Control

Do Mosquitoes Gravitate Toward Ultraviolet or LED Lights?

Many types of bug traps that you can find in stores contain a light source that is designed to attract insects. However, these don’t work on mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not attracted to ultraviolet or LED light any more than other kinds of lights. LEDs are actually less attractive than other kinds of bulbs because they radiate less warmth.

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Any Colors?

One trusted way to repel mosquitoes is to wear brightly colored clothing. Darker clothes trap in the warmth that your body emits when it is exposed to sunlight. Wearing white or khaki clothes can help to repel mosquitoes, then. Lighter colors deter mosquitoes by reflecting sunlight away, thereby keeping you cooler. 

How Light Can Repel Mosquitoes

While light can help to repel some kinds of mosquitoes, light alone will neither attract or deter mosquitoes in general. Mosquitoes just use light to navigate, as many other creatures do. Therefore, store-bought bug lights are probably not going to be the solution to your mosquito outbreak. Always talk to a professional mosquito control technician to determine the best strategy to remove mosquitoes from your property.

Are Mosquitoes Attracted To Light?​ in Knoxville TN

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