No one enjoys being bitten by a mosquito. Luckily, in the US, the vast majority of species are just a nuisance, but a small number have the ability to transmit viruses and parasites that cause diseases.
So it's important to know how to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard so you don't spend the summer covered in bites or risk catching a mosquito-borne illness.
These bugs are most drawn to smell, but we know that there are also some colors that attract mosquitoes, based on studies conducted by experts. So, what about colors that they don't like?
What colors repel mosquitoes?
We asked experts what colors repel mosquitoes, and it turns out that light, natural tones are the way to go for any mosquito magnets. (Although it still makes sense to stock up on mosquito spray, at Walmart.)
1. Light colors
Mosquitoes seek out dark, shady areas to avoid losing moisture and they also look for our body heat, given that human blood is their food source. As a result, they are often attracted to dark-colored clothing, such as black and navy blue. So, Mollie Newton of Pet Me Twice says that wearing light-colored clothing, 'such as whites, pastels, or light neutrals,' may make you less attractive to mosquitoes.
When it's hot out, covering up certainly isn't appealing, but linens in light tones may go some way in keeping these pesky bugs away. They will also reflect the light and heat, helping to keep us cooler, which will also keep mosquitoes away, as Zahid Adnan from The Plant Bible explains:
'Dark colors tend to retain heat, and mosquitoes are drawn to heat and carbon dioxide, which we naturally emit,' says Zahid. 'Therefore, wearing lighter-colored clothing can potentially make you less appealing to mosquitoes.
'Lighter colors, particularly pastel shades, are generally considered less attractive to mosquitoes. You might consider incorporating light-colored outdoor furniture, cushions, or even light-colored plants into your garden ideas,' Zahid suggests.
2. Earth tones
Natural and earth tones are on-trend in the fashion and interiors world and they have the additional benefit of putting off mosquitoes.
'Mosquitoes are less likely to be drawn to natural and earth tones, such as khaki, beige, and olive green. These colors blend in with the surroundings and may help reduce mosquito attraction,' Mollie Newton says.
Paint and color expert Goodell David of Paints Acrylic agrees, and suggests dressing like a mosquito predator: 'Mosquitoes typically ignore white, green and blue, which are common colors in nature. They also hate ivory, cream, British tan, khaki, pastel yellow and soft gray shades, which are similar to the colors of their natural predators like birds and spiders.'
These bugs generally look for objects in a color that contrasts against their surroundings, so be it clothing or outdoor couch pillows, anything that blends in with your yard will be less visible and attractive to these pests.
FAQs
What color lighting to mosquitoes hate?
'Mosquitoes are typically less attracted to light sources with shorter wavelengths, such as cool white, blue, and violet lights. These lights are less visible to mosquitoes compared to warmer lights, such as yellow, orange, and red,' says Tehreem Puri from Quick Cat Pro.
While mosquitoes are not particularly deterred by colors, certain colors are less likely to attract them. Understanding their vision won't banish them for good, but it's go to know, for example, that they like floral prints and bright bold patterns. We won't be changing up our entire wardrobes, but we'll be experimenting with solid colors in light, natural tones, planting mosquito-repellent plants and going heavy on the bug spray.
