Mosquitoes are a nuisance that can ruin any outdoor activity. Their painful bites and incessant buzzing drive most people crazy. Mosquitoes are also capable of spreading dangerous diseases like malaria, zika, dengue fever, and more. Finding ways to avoid mosquito bites is important for comfort and health. One strategy is to wear clothing that mosquitoes don’t like. But what clothing do mosquitoes hate?
Why mosquitoes are attracted to humans
Mosquitoes are attracted to humans for several reasons:
- Carbon dioxide – Humans exhale carbon dioxide when breathing. Mosquitoes can detect CO2 from up to 50 meters away.
- Sweat – Mosquitoes are drawn to lactic acid in sweat.
- Body heat – Mosquitoes use heat sensors to locate warm-blooded hosts.
- Smell – Mosquitoes use their sense of smell to zero in on body odors.
- Movement – Mosquitoes visual systems quickly spot motion and flying insects hone in on moving hosts.
- Blood – Only female mosquitoes bite. They need blood to develop eggs.
Given mosquitoes’ attraction to humans, clothing can provide a protective barrier. Let’s look at what types of clothing mosquitoes find unappealing.
Dark colors
Mosquitoes don’t like dark colors. Wearing black, dark blue, or red clothing can make you less visible to mosquitoes.
Studies have shown that mosquitoes are highly attracted to colors at the other end of the visible light spectrum. Shades like yellow, orange, purple, and turquoise attract more mosquitoes.
Dark clothing fools the mosquitoes’ visual systems so they have a harder time spotting a potential host. The contrast between fair skin and rich, deep hues also makes less of an impact compared to light colors.
So if you’ll be in mosquito territory, dress in darker shades for better camouflage. Solid blacks, greys, and blues are ideal choices.
Loose, full coverage clothing
Exposed skin is like a flashing neon sign for mosquitoes saying “Bite here!” Covering up as much as possible foils their attempts to draw blood.
Wearing loose, baggy clothing reduces your appeal. Tight clothes accentuate body contours and movement. Flowing garments conceal your form and hide motion.
For maximum protection, long sleeves and long pants or skirts are best. If it’s crazy hot, pick lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Open weaves keep air circulating so you don’t overheat.
Full coverage clothing protects more than just your arms and legs. Big floppy hats shield faces and necks from mosquito bites. High collars add protection as well. For footwear, closed toe shoes or boots prevent bites on feet and ankles.
Any exposed skin should be sprayed with insect repellent for an extra barrier. The goal is to create as much of a mosquito-proof shell as possible with your outfit.
Avoid floral, fruity, spicy perfumes
Skip perfumes and scented body products with sweet, floral, or fruity notes like:
- Jasmine
- Rose
- Orange blossom
- Lemon
- Mango
- Coconut
- Vanilla
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
These aromas contain chemicals that mimic scents found in nature. To mosquitoes they indicate nectar sources or oviposition sites.
Spicy scents like cinnamon, clove, and patchouli also tend to attract mosquitoes.
Stick to lighter clean fragrances instead. Subtle musk, citrus, or herbal notes are less appealing to mosquito sensory systems.
Unscented lotions, soaps, shampoos, and deodorants are safest. The less fragrance you wear, the lower your mosquito appeal.
Avoid alcohol consumption
A cool drink may sound refreshing, but alcohol increases mosquito interest.
After consuming alcohol, blood alcohol levels rise. This makes carbon dioxide production increase. More CO2 exiting your lungs acts like a magnet to mosquitoes.
Ethanol expelled through sweat and the air you exhale also provides an added attractant. A 1999 study showed that 20% ethanol vapor concentration increased mosquito landings by 92% compared to controls.
The level of intoxication appears to correlate with number of mosquito bites. More alcohol equals more skeeter appeal.
Sobriety is safest, but moderate alcohol intake is unlikely to have much effect. Don’t let blood alcohol levels rise too high before venturing into mosquito territory.
Avoid exercise outdoors
Vigorous exercise and sweating boosts the smells, heat, and CO2 that attract mosquitoes.
Running, cycling, hiking, and other outdoor fitness activities make you more vulnerable to mosquito bites. The extra exertion essentially calls the insects right to you.
If possible, exercise indoors with screened windows and doors closed. This avoids creating signals that mosquitoes quickly home in on.
If you must work out outside, stick to lighter intensity activity. Try not to break much of a sweat. This reduces production of attractive odors and CO2. Wear loose lightweight clothing to conceal sweat and evaporation from your body. Applying repellent before exercising also helps make you less appealing to mosquitoes.
Camping and picnic clothing tips
Camping and picnics often involve prolonged outdoor exposure at times when mosquitoes are active. Some clothing recommendations for reducing bites include:
- Wear heavier, tightly woven fabrics – Mosquitoes have trouble biting through materials like canvas or denim.
- Tuck pants into socks – Stops mosquitoes from crawling up inside pant legs for ankle bites.
- Wear long sleeve shirts and full-length pants – Expose as little skin as possible.
- Pack a wide-brimmed hat – Shields your face and neck.
- Always take a spare long sleeve layer – If mosquitoes are swarming, you can quickly add more coverage.
- Pick an orange or yellow rain jacket – Mosquitoes don’t seem attracted to high visibility colors.
- Select dull matte fabrics – Glossy, shiny surfaces attract more mosquito attention.
Mosquito net clothing
Mosquito net clothing provides complete protection. Garments are made of mesh netting to create a protective barrier.
Popular styles include:
- Hoodies
- Ponchos
- Overshirts
- Vests
- Jackets
- Full body suits
Since mosquito net clothing keeps insects at bay while allowing air flow, it prevents overheating. The lightweight netting is also quick-drying and packs down small.
Mosquito net clothing is great for high risk areas with heavy infestations. It gives complete, full coverage protection from bites.
Chemical-embedded clothing
New technologies allow insect repellents to be bonded with clothing fibers during manufacturing. No need to apply sprays or lotions. The repellent is built right in.
Two types of embedded repellents show promise:
- Permethrin – Binds tightly to fabric and resists multiple washings. Effective even weeks after application.
- Picaridin – Odorless synthetic variant of natural repellent extracted from black pepper plants.
Studies show clothing treated with these chemical repellents provide 95-100% protection from mosquito bites.
Some commercial clothing options utilizing embedded repellents include:
- Insect Shield®
- SkeeterGardTM
- Buzz Off®
Chemical-embedded clothing is more expensive but gives long-lasting, convenient mosquito bite protection.
Mosquito protection clothing shopping guide
Fabric
- Lightweight, breathable – Prevents overheating in warm weather
- Tightly woven – Mosquitoes cannot easily bite through
- Synthetic fiber blends – Dry quickly preventing musty odors
- Soft, smooth textures – Mosquitoes less attracted to velvety fabrics
Style
- Loose, flowing cuts – Conceal body shape and movement
- Full coverage – Exposes minimal skin to bites
- Built-in hood – Shields head and neck
- Elastic or drawstring cuffs – Tighten around wrists and ankles
Color
- Dark tones – Camouflage from mosquito vision
- Black, navy, dark grey optimal – Bright colors more attractive
- Matte finishes – Glossy surfaces draw mosquito attention
Chemical repellents
- Permethrin – Long-lasting protection.
- Picaridin – Odorless, low toxicity.
- EPA approved – Safe for skin contact.
- Correctly applied – Evenly distributed in fabric.
Natural mosquito repellent clothing alternatives
For those wanting to avoid chemical treatments, some natural clothing options may help:
Citronella-embedded clothing
The citronella plant oil acts as a natural mosquito repellent. Early research shows embedding citronella oil into clothing fibers deters mosquitoes, though not as effectively as DEET or other synthetics.
Catnip oil clothing
Catnip oil contains nepetalactone which strongly repels mosquitoes. Studies show clothing treated with catnip oil can prevent 94-96% of mosquito bites. The effect lasts through several washings.
Lemon eucalyptus fabric
The essential oil from the lemon eucalyptus tree may provide some protection when embedded into garments, but research is limited.
All natural fibers
Some research suggests certain plant-based textiles like hemp and linen may be less attractive to mosquitoes than synthetic fibers. The effects tend to be minor though.
Loose weave
Open, loose weaves allow breeze flow which may help discourage mosquitoes from landing. Light netting or lace fabrics may be examples.
Other mosquito bite prevention strategies
While clothing can provide a protective barrier against mosquitoes, additional tactics should also be employed:
- Use EPA approved insect repellents on exposed skin.
- Wear mosquito repellent wristbands.
- Apply permethrin to outdoor gear.
- Install window & door screens.
- Use fans to disrupt mosquito flight.
- Avoid heavily wooded and standing water areas.
- Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours.
- Use citronella candles and torches outdoors.
- Remove standing water breeding sites.
A multifaceted approach provides the best defense against mosquitoes. Clothing should be one part of an overall mosquito bite prevention plan.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes can make life miserable but clothing choices can help reduce bites. Opt for dark, loose fitting styles that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid floral fragrances that mimic nectar sources. Limit alcohol and rigorous exercise outdoors. Mosquito net and chemically treated clothing provides maximum protection. Combine smart clothing selections with other deterrents for best results thwarting mosquitoes. With some strategic planning, you can enjoy the outdoors bite-free!