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Why Do Mosquitoes Buzz Around Your Ears in the Dark but Disappear When the Lights Come On?

11 September, 2024

## Why Can You Hear Mosquitoes Buzzing in the Dark but Not When the Lights are On?

Have you ever wondered why you can hear mosquitoes buzzing when the lights are off but can’t seem to find them when you turn the lights back on?

It’s a frustrating situation we’ve all experienced at some point. You’re trying to sleep, and the annoying buzz of a mosquito keeps you awake. But when you finally get up to swat it, it seems to have disappeared.

The reason behind this lies in how mosquitoes locate their targets. Mosquitoes rely on detecting heat sources, and when the lights are on, the heat from the bulbs interferes with their ability to sense heat accurately. As a result, they fly around erratically, but the noise they make is relatively faint, so we can’t hear them.

On the other hand, when the lights are off, the human body becomes the primary source of heat in the room. Mosquitoes can then pinpoint our location and fly close by, making the buzzing sound more noticeable. In addition to heat, mosquitoes also use carbon dioxide levels to navigate towards their prey. This is why they tend to hover around our heads while we sleep and are more active at night.

Why Can You Hear Mosquitoes in the Dark but Not in the Light?

Here are some effective methods to keep mosquitoes out of your bedroom:

Citrus Peel to the Rescue

Mosquitoes detest the smell of citrus. Burning citrus peels can effectively repel mosquitoes. Simply burn a small amount of citrus peel indoors, and the smoke will keep mosquitoes at bay.

Scented Lemongrass Repellent

Lemongrass is another natural mosquito repellent. Cut 5-7 lemongrass stalks into 15cm pieces and place them in a glass of water. Within a few days, the lemongrass will develop roots and release a subtle, fragrant essential oil that mosquitoes detest.

Alternatively, you can use fresh lemongrass stalks. Crush a few stalks and hang them in a corner of the room, allowing the scent to repel mosquitoes quickly.

Unusual but Effective: Dish Soap

Dish soap is an unexpected yet effective mosquito repellent. Pour some dish soap outside your house, and mosquitoes will be drawn to it, keeping them away from your indoor spaces.

Camphor: A Natural Repellent

Camphor, derived from the camphor tree, has a strong aroma that mosquitoes dislike. Simply place camphor tablets under your bed, in cupboard corners, or in other hidden areas to repel mosquitoes naturally.

Coffee Grounds: A Natural Mosquito Repellent

Coffee grounds are an easy and effective way to keep mosquitoes away. Place coffee grounds on a plate and leave them in areas where mosquitoes tend to gather. You’ll soon notice a reduction in their presence.

Perfume and Essential Oils: A Fragrant Barrier

Create a fragrant barrier by adding a few drops of your favorite perfume or essential oil to a bucket of water and placing it in your bedroom or living room. Mosquitoes will avoid the area.

The Dynamic Duo: Eucalyptus Oil and Garlic

Mosquitoes detest the smell of eucalyptus oil and garlic. Combine these two ingredients by adding eucalyptus oil to a clove of garlic and placing it in a gauze or handkerchief. Hang it near your bed, and the mosquitoes will stay away.

Eucalyptus Oil and Garlic: A Powerful Mosquito Repellent

Tea Tree Oil: A Natural Insect Repellent

Tea tree oil has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, and its potent scent repels mosquitoes. Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with water and apply it directly to your skin to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Frequently asked questions

Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale, as well as our body odor and skin temperature. They use their antennae to detect these cues and zero in on potential blood meals. In the dark, they are more likely to rely on these senses to find a host, which is why they seem to buzz around your ears.

Mosquitoes are generally more active at dawn and dusk, and are less likely to be out when it’s brightly lit. This is because they are attracted to darkness and use the cover of night to hide from predators. Additionally, the light can reflect off our skin and make it harder for them to locate us by our body heat.

Yes, some species of mosquitoes are actually attracted to light, which can draw them away from their intended blood meal. Additionally, the light may interfere with their navigation and make it harder for them to locate a host.

There are several ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites. You can use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and avoid going outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. You can also eliminate standing water around your home, as this is where mosquitoes lay their eggs.