Colour, Scent, Sweat Or Blood? What Causes Mosquitoes To Bite Humans

What Are Mosquitoes Attracted To? According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animals. Why termed as the most dangerous? Mosquitoes are the bearers of few of the most deadly diseases the severity of which is unpredictable and it may be fatal. Mosquitoes spread disease like chikungunya, malaria, dengue, Zika and West Nile virus. Due to climate change, few of these diseases have become more rampant than ever. So, what attracts mosquitoes to humans?Blood, Colour Or Scent? The study found that mosquitoes are able to sense and track both scent and colours. If you always find yourself a target among other people, it may be the colours that you are wearing or it could be your scent.They Can Track Colours Mosquitoes are attracted to certain colours. A study conducted by experts at the University of Washington revealed that some people may get bitten more than other due to many factors at play. One such factor is colours. The study points out that they are attracted to colours like red and black but they dislike green and white.They Can Track Scents Mosquitoes are also attracted to certain types of scents. If you see yourself getting bitten too often, it could be the smell. Female mosquitoes especially are known to find their targets with scent cues. They can also track scent cues such as chemicals, sweat and carbon dioxide exuded by humans.They Understand Associations With Humans Mosquitoes have the ability to learn. Through this power, they know to differentiate and understand positive and negative associations. This is how they learn to go back to one person again and again. If you swat at them frequently, they will register that and learn to avoid you.They Are Attracted To Sugar Sources Mosquitoes are also attracted to different types of sugar sources one of which are fruits. The study says that they may be attracted to the scent that is similar to the fruit. Knowing what attracts mosquitoes to humans can help you keep them away.