Are Mosquitoes Attracted To Light?

Close-up Picture of Mosquito Feeding on Skin

It’s common to see moths and other insects swarm around lights at night, which leads many to wonder if mosquitoes behave the same way. While mosquitoes may occasionally fly near light sources, they aren't strongly attracted to light like moths are. Instead, they rely on other cues to locate humans and animals.

Still, different types of light can affect how mosquitoes behave. Let’s take a closer look at whether UV or blue lights actually make a difference.

Are mosquitoes attracted to UV light?

Despite their popularity, bug zappers and other UV light traps are not very effective for mosquito control. Mosquito traps that rely on light alone usually catch very few mosquitoes. They become more effective when combined with carbon dioxide or scent attractants that mimic human cues.

Are mosquitoes attracted to blue light?

Some people wonder if mosquitoes are drawn to blue light or other colors. Blue light, often produced by LED bulbs, tends to attract more mosquitoes than warmer-colored lights, but it still isn’t the main factor that guides them.

What attracts mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes don’t rely on light to find their targets. Instead, they use a combination of sensory cues that help them locate warm-blooded hosts like humans and animals. Understanding what draws mosquitoes can help you take better steps to avoid bites and reduce their presence around your home.

Some of the most important factors mosquitoes use to zero in on you include:

  • Carbon dioxide: Mosquitoes can detect the carbon dioxide you exhale from up to 100 feet away. This is often the first signal that alerts them to a nearby host.

  • Body heat: Once they sense carbon dioxide, mosquitoes use heat sensors to locate the warm skin beneath your clothes.

  • Body odor and sweat: Chemicals released through sweat and natural skin oils, such as lactic acid and ammonia, attract mosquitoes and help them distinguish between different people.

Mosquito Prevention & Control

While mosquitoes may respond to certain types of light, many homeowners prefer yellow bulbs for outdoor use, as they tend to attract fewer insects overall. These bulbs emit light at a wavelength that’s less noticeable to mosquitoes, making them a helpful, though limited, deterrent.

However, switching bulbs alone won’t stop mosquitoes from biting or gathering near your home. For more reliable protection, contact an Orkin Pro to create a custom mosquito control plan tailored to your property.

Learn More About Mosquitoes

DIY Mosquito Control

Explore common DIY mosquito control methods and learn why home remedies may offer short-term relief but often fall short for long-term protection.

Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?

Learn how mosquitoes bite dogs, the potential health risks like heartworm, and effective ways to help protect your pets.

Do Mosquitoes Sleep?

Mosquitoes don’t sleep like humans but enter periods of rest and reduced activity during the day. They are most active during dawn and dusk.

Do Mosquito Coils Work?

Mosquito coils can effectively repel or kill mosquitoes when used outdoors in areas with minimal wind. However, they should not be used indoors due to potential health risks.

How Big Can Mosquitoes Get?

Most mosquitoes are small, measuring between 0.15 and 0.4 inches in length.

Resources

Protect Your Home From Mosquitoes

How do Mosquitoes Transmit Zika Virus?

Mosquitoes Exterminator - How To Identify & Get Rid Of Mosquitoes

Mosquito illustration

Pest Control

Mosquitoes Pest Control Treatment & Removal Services

Mosquito image

Diseases Transmitted by Mosquitoes | Symptom Facts

Plants That Deter Mosquitoes

What Is A Mosquito?

Can Mosquitoes Bite Through Clothing? | Mosquito Exterminator

Mosquito Larvae

Anopheles Mosquito Identification | Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Image coming soon

When are Mosquitoes the Most Active in the US?

Get a quote today

Eliminate pests and prevent future problems.

We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

877-819-5061

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlHome Services

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

CUSTOMER CARE

My AccountPay BillFind My BranchContact UsProduct Labels

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

© 2025 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementSitemapCareers