When those warm summer months begin, our thoughts move towards barbeques, barefoot walks, and breezy clothes. But once the temperature reaches 50 degrees, mosquitoes start to become active. Meaning by the time we are settling down for our Fourth of July get-togethers, they are in full force.

Mosquitoes do bite through clothing. But a lot of factors are at play when considering that question. The fit of the clothing is a factor. The color of the clothing is a factor. Even biological things such as body odor and body heat can play a factor! 

In this article, we’ll dig into what allows mosquitoes to bite even through clothing. Furthermore, we’ll examine what other factors attract mosquitoes, and how to prevent them. What threats or diseases do mosquitoes really bring with them? And did you know that mosquito saliva might be valuable? Keep reading to find out more. 

How Do Mosquitoes Bite Through Clothing?

A mosquito does not have to land on your skin in order to feast on you. As long as their proboscis, acting as their mouth, is able to reach your skin, you’re fair game. Although this spear-like feature is minimal, its six needle-like devices will surely let you know you’ve been bitten.

You might think that any clothing covering your skin is going to act as a defense against mosquitoes. But many fabrics make it irritatingly easy to be bitten. 

Probing Proboscis

Easiest Fabrics For Mosquitoes To Bite Through

Needless to say, gauzy, loose-knit summery clothes are a buffet for the skeeters. Additionally, voile, gauze, gingham, polyester, and cotton blends offer little to medium protection. The wide weave of these fabrics means mosquitoes can easily reach your skin for a snack.

Additionally, coverage does not necessarily equate to safety. Even spandex, a seemingly strong and high-coverage fabric, stretches, allowing enough room for a mosquito to reach its target. Lightweight denim, such as found in jeggings or skinny jeans, also misrepresent their mosquito defense for the same reason.

Sartorial Skeeters

Fit, Color, and Cut Make A Difference

Even though looser fabrics mean easier access for mosquitoes and their proboscis, they do have a modicum of defense. Dresses, skirts, or wide trousers made from these fabrics tend to lay further away from the skin. 

Simply due to the fact that they are farther away from the skin means mosquitoes would not be able to reach through for a bite. Still, that benefit might be negated by the room in which a mosquito can bypass the fabric to reach the skin directly. 

On that point, coverage does play a factor. Mosquitoes are most active during the summer months, meaning the wide necklines, shorter hemlines, stylishly ripped clothing, and your favorite flip flops all provide easy access points for the minuscule vampires. 

Finally, dark colors attract mosquitoes more than light-colored fabrics. Black, brown, and navy all work against you. However, red clothing is their favorite. Let’s not forget, they are still bugs, so large floral prints and bright colors should be avoided for obvious reasons. 

Best Clothes to Prevent Bites

Heavy denim, tight-knit wool, corduroy, and even velvet can easily deter mosquitoes. Needless to say, few people are sitting around summer bonfires draped in velvet. Still, it’s an option if you’re desperate. 

Light colors may not prevent them, but they won’t actively attract them. Stick to neutral summer tones like white, beige, and soft grays. Conveniently, these colors also help keep you cool in the dog days of summer. 

Another choice would be the innovation of bug-proof clothing! Clothing treated with permethrin can act as “insect shields.” Commonly used for camping gear and even military uniforms, the idea of insect-repellent clothing is slowly becoming a mainstream option for dedicated bug haters. 

Researchers are exploring new nanotechnology-treated clothing as a lightweight option, but this solution is still in its early phases.

Other Factors

Body odor plays a factor in attracting mosquitoes. The smell of sweat, especially as it seeps into clothing nearest the skin, creates a strong attractor. On top of that, body heat also acts as an advertisement for mosquitoes. 

Lotions, and scented items like perfume and cologne, act like a dinner bell for the nearby mosquitoes. In the same way that body odor attracts, so do the chemical and flowery scents found in these items. (Unsurprisingly, given bugs are traditionally attracted to flowers.) Specifically, mosquitoes are attracted to items using alpha-hydroxy acids. 

For that matter, diet can play a factor. Mosquitoes are attracted to the lactic acid, salt, and potassium released by your body. Additionally, the smell of alcohol releases a mosquito-attracting chemical. This is just bad news all around for those backyard barbeques.

And believe it or not, even breathing acts as a draw. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, and therefore our exhalations can act as a beacon. 

Tips Moving Forward

Assuming you are not willing to spend your summer draped head to toe in pesticide-treated white velvet, without deodorant, and not exhale, what realistic options exist to prevent mosquito bites?

Wear socks. Studies show that mosquitoes are most likely to bite ankles. They are attracted to our body odor, and our feet are pretty stinky. (No judgment.) Plus, the clever little devils know it is one of the least likely places to be swatted away or killed.

Obviously, a mosquito near your face would call more attention and likely suffer the consequences. And especially in the warm summer months, pants, dresses, and footwear often leave our ankles bare. 

Cover up. Something is better than nothing. Even if you haven’t invested in nanotech or permethrin-treated clothing, any barrier to a mosquito having immediate access to your skin is helpful. If you want to be persnickety about it, stick to light-colored, tightly-knit fabrics for your best bet. 

Bug spray. You can spray your clothing with an insecticide to create your own insect shield—some express concern over the close proximity to the chemicals found in these sprays. Mothers, specifically, worry about this in regards to their babies. There are natural, organic alternatives to consider. 

Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid standing water where mosquitoes might congregate. Time of day is also a factor. Mosquitoes tend to be most active at dawn or dusk. 

Invest in bug prevention. Wearable items that spray plumes of mosquito-deterring chemicals exist. Furthermore, oil and eucalyptus spray may be effective. A citronella candle might do the trick. But studies suggest they might not be as effective as they claim.

Know Your Enemy

Scary Skeeter Stats

In 2018, the United States recorded 5,847 cases of mosquito-borne illness like malaria and yellow fever, though West Nile is most common. During the Zika outbreak of 2016, there were 47,461 such cases. Globally, mosquitoes are responsible for over one million deaths, according to the World Mosquito Program. 

The likelihood of attracting a disease from a mosquito can vary by state. But some studies suggest that in areas where instances of the West Nile virus exist, as few as one in 500 mosquitoes carry the disease. 

While disease from mosquitoes remains a threat, there are also allergic reactions known as “Skeeter Syndrome” to worry about. This is usually recognized by a noticeably severe reaction to a common mosquito bite. 

Still, don’t panic. In 2012, a woman recorded over 700 bites from mosquitoes, and she seems fine. At least there is no evidence to suggest otherwise. 

However, while everyone agrees they are extremely annoying, their role in the ecosystem is still valuable. They pollinate and act as a food source. And what’s more, scientists are exploring the benefits of mosquito saliva in cardiovascular disease! 

Summary

Yes, mosquitoes can bite through clothing. But with some forethought, it’s possible to prevent and deter them. Be cognizant of what scents you emit, what colors you wear, and where you stand. If all else fails, stay indoors. 

Sources:
ScienceMag.org: “Want to repel mosquitoes? Don’t use citronella candles”
Statista.com: Number of Mosquito-borne disease cases reported in the U.S. from 2004 to 2018 
Statista.com: Number of Mosquito-borne disease cases reported in the U.S. from 2004 to 2018 
State of Connecticut; Mosquito Management Program 
RecordSetter.com: Most Mosquito Bites At Once
ThoughtCo. “What Good Are Mosquitoes”