Try these simple habits for fewer mosquito bites

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As the weather gets hotter, more people are losing sleep because of mosquitoes. Even in the same room, some people seem to get bitten repeatedly while others escape almost untouched. This is because mosquitoes do not choose their targets at random. They detect body heat, carbon dioxide from breathing, body odor and chemicals released by the skin. Adopting a few simple daily habits can help reduce the number of mosquito bites.

Shower after sweating

Mosquitoes are believed to respond strongly to chemicals in sweat, such as lactic acid and ammonia. This is why people often notice more mosquito bites after exercising or spending time outdoors. During summer, elevated body temperatures makes people even more attractive to mosquitoes.

Studies have found that people with higher body temperatures and heavier perspiration tend to attract more mosquitoes. Showering as soon as possible after outdoor activities and changing out of sweaty clothes can help reduce the risk of bites.

Choose light-colored clothing

Mosquitoes rely not only on smell but also on visual cues. Dark colors such as black and navy absorb more heat and are easier for mosquitoes to detect. Research has shown that mosquitoes are more likely to approach people wearing black, red and orange.

In contrast, light-colored clothing such as white or beige appears to be less attractive. When walking outdoors or camping, wearing light-colored clothes with long sleeves, since minimizing exposed skin can also help keep mosquitoes away.

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Refrain from drinking outdoors

Many people feel they get bitten more often after drinking alcohol outdoors during the summer. Some studies suggest alcohol consumption may attract mosquitoes.

Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and raise your body temperature. It may also increase your breathing rate, leading to greater carbon dioxide output — one of the main ways mosquitoes locate people. Drinking outdoors at night, when mosquitoes are most active, may further increase the likelihood of bites.

Strong perfumes can backfire

A pleasant fragrance does not necessarily repel mosquitoes. Some studies suggest that fruity or floral scents may actually attract certain insects.

For this reason, it is best to avoid using excessive amounts of perfume or strongly scented body mists before spending time outdoors. Instead, apply an insect repellent approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to exposed skin.

Use mosquito repellents properly

Mosquitoes are relatively weak fliers, making it difficult for them to approach people in rooms with a steady breeze from a fan or air conditioner. Cooler indoor temperatures may also make people less attractive by lowering body heat.

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Before going to bed, check that window screens are intact and remove any mosquitoes that have entered the room.

Mosquito coils, electric mosquito mats and liquid mosquito repellents are also effective tools for keeping mosquitoes away. However, they should not be used for extended periods in poorly ventilated spaces. Users should follow the ventilation instructions provided with the product, and extra caution is advised when using these products around infants, young children and people with respiratory conditions.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.