Why Mosquitoes Bite More at Night and How to Prevent It

Warm summer evenings bring terraces, good company, and one annoying guest — mosquitoes. They tend to show up at sunset, and this pattern isn’t random. A mix of biology and environment explains their timing and behavior.

Relating to

• 5 home remedies to prevent mosquitoes from biting you at night: You’ll sleep like a baby

• How do mosquitoes detect their prey?

Reasons mosquitoes bite more at night

This little irritant can itch more at night for several reasons, all rooted in how mosquitoes live and hunt.

1. Night activity: Many mosquito species peak in activity during dusk, at night, or in the early morning. Cooler, more humid air helps ease their thirst and supports more sustained flight and feeding opportunities.

2. Fewer predators: With fewer birds and dragonflies on the prowl after dark, mosquitoes face less danger while they search for a meal, increasing the chances of a successful bite.

3. Calmer air: Nighttime wind tends to be gentler, making it easier for mosquitoes to move, hover, and home in on human scents and body heat.

4. Quiet surroundings: People tend to sleep and stay still at night, reducing disturbances. That stillness gives mosquitoes a better chance to land and bite without being noticed.

5. Heat and CO2 cues: The ability to sense heat and carbon dioxide becomes especially useful in darkness, guiding mosquitoes toward exposed skin when light would normally reveal them.

House tricks to keep mosquitoes out of the house. Pixabay

It is important to note that although many mosquito species prefer to bite at night, some are also active during the day. Humidity, temperature, and the presence of standing water all influence their activity patterns.

How do mosquitoes detect their prey?

Detecting a host involves a blend of senses, from heat to carbon dioxide, skin odors, and even body movement. Researchers have mapped these cues to explain why bites occur where they do and when they’re most likely to happen.

So you can prevent mosquitoes from biting you at night

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Here are some suggestions to prevent mosquitoes from biting you at night:

1. Use repellents: Apply insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing before turning in. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil are commonly effective options.

2. Wear protective clothing: When outdoors at night, opt for garments that cover most of the skin, such as long sleeves and long pants. Heavier fabrics or clothes treated with repellent can offer extra defense.

3. Sleep with protection: If windows remain open, ensure screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out. Consider a bed net in rooms where air flow is light or where screens are questionable.

4. Airflow matters: Fans or air conditioning create moving air that makes it harder for mosquitoes to fly and lowers their ability to target you.

5. Avoid scented attractants: Perfumes, lotions, and strong fragrances can lure mosquitoes, especially as you wind down for the night.