How Air Conditioning Keeps Mosquitoes at Bay
It’s a combination of factors, starting with temperature. Air conditioners typically maintain indoor temperatures below 25°C, and mosquitoes become less active at these cooler temperatures since their need to feed on blood decreases. Rather than seeking a blood meal, they may enter a semi-hibernation state, waiting for more favorable conditions.
Research has shown that mosquitoes are particularly sensitive to temperature. When temperatures drop below 15°C, they lose their ability to move and may even die if exposed for extended periods. In fact, the only mosquito-free country in the world is Iceland, and the Antarctic continent is also mosquito-free due to the extremely cold climate.
Extreme heat is also detrimental to mosquitoes. When environmental temperatures exceed 36°C, mosquitoes lose their ability to adapt and survive. This explains why mosquitoes are more prevalent during seasonal transitions.
Secondly, air conditioning significantly impacts humidity levels. Mosquitoes thrive in environments with 60%-80% humidity, but when humidity drops below 52%, they will stop feeding and move on to more favorable locations.
Both cold and hot air from air conditioners contribute to drier air. After an hour of running the air conditioner, the humidity in a room can decrease by 4%, and if left on continuously overnight, it can drop by as much as 15%-20%.
Normally, indoor air humidity ranges from 55%-60%. When the air conditioner has been running for some time, the drier air can cause mosquitoes to exit the room in search of more suitable conditions.
Additionally, we tend to keep windows closed when the air conditioner is on, which further prevents mosquitoes from entering the room.
It’s also worth noting that mosquitoes have poor eyesight and rely primarily on their sense of smell to locate potential targets. Strong scents can make it easier for them to find you. However, the airflow from air conditioners can disperse body odors, making it harder for mosquitoes to detect your presence. In some cases, you may even become “invisible” to mosquitoes in the same room.
While mosquitoes use their antennae to sense carbon dioxide in the air when searching for a blood meal, the airflow from air conditioners can disperse the carbon dioxide, making it difficult for them to pinpoint its source accurately. This confusion can lead to mosquitoes failing to locate a human target.
It’s rare for mosquitoes to bite people in air-conditioned environments, and they are more likely to hide in corners where the airflow doesn’t reach, waiting for the room to warm up, or simply leaving the room altogether. So, while air conditioning can deter mosquitoes, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate them.
Alternative Ways to Repel and Eliminate Mosquitoes Without Air Conditioning
– Mosquito Repellent Oils: Oils like peppermint and eucalyptus, commonly found in mosquito repellent products, can be effective. Additionally, substances like nepetalactone, present in some repellents, can disorient mosquitoes, causing them to lose their balance.
– Dish Soap Solution: Mixing dish soap with water and placing it near mosquito hotspots like under the bed or in dark corners can be a trap. The scent of the soap attracts mosquitoes, causing them to fall into the solution and perish.
– Citrus Peels: Dried peels from oranges, lemons, or grapefruits contain high amounts of essential oils, which have a pleasant scent for humans but are repulsive to mosquitoes. Burning these dried peels or leaves from herbs like rosemary can create a natural mosquito repellent.
– Mosquito-Repelling Plants: Plants like basil, citronella, and lemon balm emit scents that mosquitoes find distasteful, so placing these near entry points or growing them in your garden can help keep mosquitoes at bay.
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