Summer nights, terraces, warmth and…mosquitoes. And these disturbed visitors usually show up at sunset. This fact is not accidental. There are several reasons that explain this.
Reasons why mosquitoes bite more at night
This mosquitoes they itch more at night for several reasons:
- night activity: Many mosquito species are naturally most active at night, at dusk or in the early morning. The fact that these periods are cooler and more humid than during the day reduces thirst in mosquitoes and allows them to be more active.
- less hunter: Mosquitoes face less threats at night from predators such as birds and dragonflies, allowing them to search for their victims with less risk.
- Less wind: Wind conditions tend to be calmer at night, making it easier for mosquitoes to fly and allowing them to track the carbon dioxide and other odors emitted by humans and other mammals.
- Less human movement: People tend to be quieter at night, especially when sleeping, which makes it easy for mosquitoes to land and bite undisturbed.
- Heat and CO2 detection: Mosquitoes’ ability to sense the heat and carbon dioxide emitted by their victims is particularly useful in the dark, as these factors help them locate their prey when there is no light.
It is important to note that although many mosquito species prefer to bite at night, some are also active during the day. Also, factors such as humidity, temperature and the presence of stagnant water also affects mosquito activity.
So you can prevent mosquitoes from biting you at night.
Here are some suggestions to prevent mosquitoes from biting you at night:
- Use repellents: Apply insect repellent to your skin and/or clothing before going to sleep. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil are usually effective.
- Wear appropriate clothing: If you will be out at night, wear clothing that covers most of your skin, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Mosquitoes can bite very thin clothes, so choose thicker fabrics or clothes treated with insect repellent.
- Use mosquito nets: If you sleep with the windows open, make sure there are screens on the windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering. You can also use a mosquito net around your bed.
- Using fans or air conditioner: Mosquitoes have trouble flying in windy weather. Use a fan or air conditioner to keep the air in your room moving and make it harder for mosquitoes to fly.
- Avoid attractive smells: Avoid using strong-smelling products such as perfumes and lotions before bed, as their scent can attract mosquitoes.