New Study Reveals What We Wear Can Attract Mosquitoes

New Study Reveals What We Wear Can Attract Mosquitoes: A new study published in Nature Communications has revealed that mosquitoes are especially attracted to people wearing red, orange or black clothes[1].

Bite prevention expert, Howard Carter advises, “Even if you don’t wear this colour, the mosquitoes will still hone in on your skin which they see as red, so it’s important to protect yourself by using a strong insect repellent. If you’re suffering badly with mosquitoes constantly buzzing around you, try my CLOAK method for effective bite prevention…

• C – Cover up arms and legs with suitable clothing.
• L – Light coloured clothes are strongly advisable.
• O – Odours, bodily or otherwise, like certain kairomones and perfumes are strong attractants. So wash thoroughly, including exfoliating with a loofah, and do not use perfumes.
• A – Apply an effective, preferably natural, insect repellent containing PMD, such as incognito (www.incognitospray.com).
• K – Keep away from stagnant water if possible.”

“A lot of mosquitoes zero in on the ears, wrists and ankles because this is where the skin is thinner and blood vessels are nearer the surface; which is one of the reasons women generally get bitten more than men. So, it is a good idea to wash with a loofah soap that contains citronella, then spray and use a moisturiser containing citronellol. But always use the spray last.”

“Try burning Incense Sticks containing Java citronella, a substance which significantly helps to reduce your attractiveness to insects. The light smoke they emit, further helps to deter mosquitoes. Place the stick in a sturdy place, light the tip of the stick then blow out the flame. Ensure to keep the stick away from children and animals.”

“It’s also important to avoid all fragrances. Some perfumes such as lavender combinations actually attract insects – just look closely at a lavender bush! Be aware that most toiletries and sunscreens, along with most fabric softeners, contain scent. Be aware of your odour output!”

“Use protection on any exposed skin and spray your clothing as well; mosquitoes can and will bite through fabric, even thick jeans! Spray an insect repellent on and around your back door or your summerhouse door before entering, as mosquitoes often lie in wait on the outside of doors and windows and this simple procedure helps to keep them out.”

Reference

[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-28195-x

 About Howard Carter

Howard Carter became one of the UK’s foremost bite prevention experts, after contracting malaria and dengue in the same year, during the 1990s. He lectures doctors at the Wilderness Medicine Conference, and has coached Royal Geographical expeditions, Pole to Pole and a lot of celebrities including Ewan McGregor on avoiding getting bitten by insects.

Howard writes regularly in the press including peer-reviewed journals, The Times, Sunday Times, the Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, UKTI, pharmacy and health magazines, and repeatedly is on BBC & ITV News.

In education Howard excelled at Biology and Chemistry and in earlier days ran a laboratory dealing with quality assurance and quality control. Howard is a Master NLP practitioner and has a diploma from Birkbeck College, in the Biological Basis of Human Behaviour.