Stay Bite-Free: Colors To Avoid Wearing That Attract Mosquitoes
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a relaxing day in your backyard, or tending to your garden, remember to protect yourself from pesky pests this summer. Many of us know that mosquitoes are a nuisance that can disrupt outdoor activities. They can also pose health risks due to their ability to transmit diseases. While factors like certain scents and wet and humid environments contribute to mosquito attraction, it might come as a surprise that colors can also play a role.
According to a study by the University of Washington, Professor Jeffrey Riffell and his team discovered something fascinating. When mosquitoes catch a whiff of certain compounds, like carbon dioxide from our breath, it triggers their eyes to search for particular colors and visual patterns. These bugs associate those signals with a potential host.
Choose your colors wisely.
Best Life shared what colors to avoid wearing outside if you’re worried about mosquito bites. Most people know that wearing black in the summertime can increase your body temperature because it absorbs light and converts it to heat. However, many people are unaware that black clothing also acts as a major attraction for mosquitoes.
David Price, ACE, director of technical services and associate certified entomologist at Mosquito Joe, explained to Best Life that while mosquitoes don’t actually see colors, they see contrasts in the light spectrum, and black creates more contrast and absorbs more heat. Apparently, the color black has a longer wavelength, so after smelling carbon dioxide, mosquitoes will gravitate toward these hues more.
The study also said that Aegypti mosquitoes, which are known to carry viruses like Zika, have a strong attraction to the color cyan. This preference is due to cyan’s dominant wavelength, which creates a distinctive silhouette that helps mosquitoes identify potential meals, even when the host is moving.
In another study, researchers revealed an interesting fact about yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) and their response to carbon dioxide, a gas that humans naturally exhale. Surprisingly, these mosquitoes exhibited an increased sensitivity to certain colors, such as red, orange, black, and cyan, which are predominantly long-wavelength visual cues. They were observed to fly faster and linger longer around objects of these colors.
Curious about which colors you should steer clear of when it comes to mosquito attraction? See what other colors attract mosquitoes here.
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12 Types Of People You'll Definitely See At A Barbecue
When you step into the world of backyard barbecues, the grill is the centerpiece, and the atmosphere is a blend of excitement and relaxation. Barbecues are the epitome of laid-back summer gatherings, where friends and family come together to enjoy good food and great company. At barbeques, you’ll encounter an eclectic mix of characters that add a touch of charm and quirkiness to the festivities. From the seasoned grill masters to the snack enthusiasts, the life-of-the-party individuals to the spirited athletes, and the zen-like chillaxers, each person brings their unique flavor, transforming the BBQ into an unforgettable experience.
With tongs in hand, the grill masters take charge of the fiery domain. But it’s not just about the grill. You also have snack enthusiasts who appreciate the art of pre-grill munching. And with every barbecue gathering comes the party energizers who inject the air with laughter, stories, and jokes. Of course, you have those who like to turn a simple BBQ into a playground of friendly competition. Sometimes, you have those who enjoy quiet amongst the grilling chaos.
As you prepare to fire up the grill and gather your loved ones, keep an eye out for these characters at your next backyard barbecue. Embrace their quirks, savor their charms, and let them add their unique touch to your core summer memories. The backyard BBQ is not just about food and drinks. However, it’s about celebrating the spirit of togetherness, laughter, and the joy of life’s simple pleasures.
Let’s dig a bit deeper into the types of people you usually spot at a barbecue.
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.