Louisiana, These 4 Colors Could Be Making You a Mosquito Magnet
(99.9 KTDY) Who knew that certain colors could make you more attractive to mosquitoes? Researchers are sharing which colors are enticing to mosquitoes and which we should wear as an additional layer of protection to keep them from making us their meal.
Mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika, just to name two. No matter where you live in our state, there is a mosquito abatement program. Lafayette Consolidated Government's website reminds people that standing water around your house is a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Objects that hold water, like flowerpots, gutters, and buckets, are ripe for mosquitoes to move in and make babies. A female mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs, which is why there are billions of mosquitoes in Louisiana.
Fighting mosquitoes should be considered a state sport. No one wants to deal with their bites and the general annoyance they cause in our lives. So, if avoiding certain colors helps prevent mosquito bites, most people will want that information.
Don't Wear These Colors in Order to Avoid Mosquitoes
1. Mosquitoes Really Love the Color Red, So Avoid Red to Avoid Mosquitoes
Red isn't just an attractive color for humans; it's also attractive to mosquitoes. If you are planning to be outside, especially, then rethink wearing red.
According to research, mosquitoes generally prefer red, and since our skin has many red tones, we are more attractive to them. Therefore, don't wear red clothes, as you are only making the situation worse.
2. Do Not Wear Black Clothes Because Mosquitoes Will Feast on You!
In the study, researchers from the University of Washington found that mosquitoes are also attracted to you based on how they perceive color.
That's why you want to avoid black clothing if you want to dodge mosquito bites. Believe it or not, mosquitoes' sense of smell helps them perceive color. Mosquitoes are attracted to the color black, so avoid black shirts and pants.
3. Don't Wear Orange Clothes! The Color is Attractive to Mosquitoes
The shade of orange is close to the color red, which we have already learned is attractive to pesky mosquitoes.
Orange is another color to avoid if you want to avoid attracting the blood suckers.
It's Best Not to Wear the Color, Cyan (Light Blue). Mosquitoes Like It!
The color, cyan, is interesting. This color is basically light blue, and mosquitoes will zero in on the color if you are wearing something in this shade.
What is interesting is that cyan attracts mosquitoes, but a darker shade of blue is not attractive to them. Go figure. A darker hue of blue will make mosquitoes pay less attention to you.
Now that you know what colors you should shy away from with your summer wardrobe, we also know which colors mosquitoes are less attracted to.
Grab a Darker Shade Blue Shirt in Order to Avoid Mosquitoes
Researchers say darker shades of blue are not enticing to mosquitoes. If you're planning your outfit for the day, go for royal or navy blue so you won't attract the evil little bloodsuckers.
Darker blues are a turn-off to mosquitoes. While cyan might be a popular color for summer, and navy is popular for fall, if you want mosquitoes to attack someone else, wear the navy dress or blouse.
Plain White Cloting Is Not Attractive to Mosquitoes
It is said that white is all of the colors in one. It's also a color that mosquitoes are less attracted to. As a bonus, wearing white during summer helps you stay cool in this Louisiana heat.
If you are wearing white and standing next to someone wearing a colored shirt, you are unlikely to be attacked. They likely will pass you over to feast on someone else.
3. Mosquitoes Are Less Interested in the Color Green
Given that green is one of nature's predominant colors, it's not really surprising that this shade doesn't really attract mosquitoes.
Given that so many things in our world are green, wearing another color would likely be much more interesting to a mosquito.
Wear Purple Outside, as the Color Is Less Attractive to Mosquitoes
Purple typically is a mixture of red and blue, so this is interesting. Red attracts mosquitoes, but darker hues of blue do not, and the two colors together make purple.
If you are looking for a color less attractive to mosquitoes, purple is a good choice, especially if you spend a lot of time outside.
READ MORE: GOOGLE WANTS TO FIGHT MOSQUITOES WITH MORE MOSQUITOES
You may not decide to change your entire closet just to ward off mosquitoes, but it's not a bad idea to save this article for when you know you'll be outside for an extended period.
The researcher, UW biology professor Jeffrey Riffell, shares which colors to avoid and which to wear to help reduce attractiveness to mosquitoes. He also offers advice on the top things that attract mosquitoes.
The Things Mosquitoes Are Most Attracted To
- Your breath
- The temperature of your skin
- Your sweat
- The color you are wearing
Knowledge is power, and now that you know which colors attract mosquitoes, dress accordingly.
Our world is truly fascinating.
LOOK: 11 tick-borne illnesses and what to watch out for during your outdoor adventures
Gallery Credit: Martha Sandoval
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