If you’ve ever worn long-sleeved shirts and long pants but still ended up covered in mosquito bites, you’re not alone. Mosquitoes are sneaky pests, and some types of mosquitoes can bite right through certain fabrics.
So, can mosquitoes bite through clothes? Yes, but it depends on what you’re wearing.
Key Takeaways
- Mosquitoes use a sharp proboscis to pierce the skin and can bite through thin or tight-fitting fabrics.
- Thick, loose-fitting, light-colored, and permethrin-treated clothing can help block mosquito bites and keep you protected.
- Using bug spray, removing standing water, and sleeping under a mosquito net are other ways to keep mosquitoes away.
- If mosquitoes won’t stay away, professional mosquito control can help you take back your yard and stay bite-free.
HOW DO MOSQUITOES BITE THROUGH CLOTHES?
Mosquitoes don’t have teeth, but they do have needle-like mouthparts called proboscis that they use to pierce the skin and draw blood.
Some types of mosquitoes have stronger proboscises than others, allowing them to bite through thin fabrics. Tight-fitting fabrics can help prevent bites, but materials like spandex and yoga pants are no match for their sharp mouthparts.
They’re most active at dawn and dusk, but if you’re near standing water or in a shady spot, they’ll be out all day. That’s why you might get bitten even when you think you’re covered up.
THE BEST TYPES OF CLOTHING TO PREVENT BUG BITES
Wearing the right protective clothing can help keep mosquitoes from reaching your skin. Here’s what works best:
- Tightly woven fabrics – Thick materials like denim or polyester make it harder for mosquitoes to bite through.
- Loose-fitting clothing – Tight clothes press against your skin, making bites more likely. Looser clothing adds a layer of extra protection.
- Light-colored clothing – Mosquitoes are drawn to dark colors, so wear whites, pastels, or khaki to help repel mosquitoes.
- Permethrin-treated clothing – Some clothes are treated with permethrin, an EPA-approved insecticide that repels mosquitoes. You can also spray permethrin on your clothes for added protection.
OTHER WAYS TO REPEL MOSQUITOES
Even with the right clothing, mosquitoes can still find a way. Here are some other ways to prevent bug bites:
1. Use a Mosquito Repellent
A good bug spray goes a long way in keeping mosquito bites to a minimum.
Look for one with active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply to exposed skin before heading outside, especially around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Follow CDC or EPA guidelines and reapply as needed. Avoid spraying near your neckline or hands if you’ll be touching your face.
2. Remove Standing Water
Mosquitoes need stagnant water to lay eggs, and even a tiny amount can lead to an infestation.
Dump out water from birdbaths, buckets, and plant saucers at least once a week. Check clogged gutters and anywhere rainwater collects, like old tires or patio furniture.
3. Sleep Under a Mosquito Net
If you don’t have air conditioning, a mosquito net is one of the best ways to avoid mosquito bites while you sleep. Make sure the net is properly sealed around your bed and free of holes.
Treated nets with permethrin offer even better protection, especially in areas where mosquitoes carry diseases like Zika, dengue, and yellow fever.
NEED PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL FOR MOSQUITOES?
If mosquitoes are taking over your yard despite using insect repellents, we’ve got you covered.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer monthly mosquito fogging treatments and In2Care mosquito traps to target mosquitoes at every stage of their life cycle. Our treatments target these pests at the source, so you can enjoy your outdoor space again.
Give us a call today, and let us take care of the problem for you!