5 wearables that keep mosquitoes away
Put on these clothes and accessories the next time you go out.
It's safe to assume that when you're outdoors you want to enjoy your time rather than worry about being a mosquito. next target . While there are many common ways to deter pesky insects (by adding certain plants to your garden or using a scented spray, for example), you can also stay safe with some mosquito repellent clothing. Keep reading to hear from pest experts about wearables that will keep mosquitoes away.
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1 Light colored clothes
Mosquitoes are the most attracted to darker colors , as they provide better visual contrast.
"It's always best to favor light-colored clothing or accessories when you're outdoors," says Emma Grace Crumbley , entomologist for Mosquito Squad . “Stick to white, pastel colors, or lighter shades of blue. These shades reduce overall visibility and can help mosquitoes land elsewhere. Black and red are colors you should definitely avoid if you want to. can, because darker tones also make you sweat more.”
“Mosquitoes use heat and sweat as indicators of potential hosts, so the hotter you are/the more you sweat, the easier target you become,” says Crumbley.
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2 Electronic wristbands
Instead of relying solely on bug spray, you can also try an electronic bracelet that helps keep mosquitoes away. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb
“These items release scents like citronella or essential oils, creating a localized barrier that repels mosquitoes around the wearer,” shares David Price , ACE, Director of Technical Services and Associate Certified Entomologist at Joe the Mosquito .
According to Crushable , electronic bracelets are more protective than standard citronella bracelets because the bracelet "releases ultrasonic waves that create frequencies similar to those that insects produce to hunt them."
Although the wristband isn't 100% effective, it adds an extra layer of protection when you're outdoors. Most of the time, these bands are also water resistant.
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3 Hats with net
Mesh hats are a good option if you plan to be outdoors for long periods of time, especially if you're going hiking.
"These hats protect the face and neck from mosquito bites while allowing air circulation, making them ideal for outdoor activities in mosquito-prone areas," says Price.
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4 Repellent clothing
Thanks to new technologies and special fabrics, you can actually find clothes that keep mosquitoes away. Although often intended for camping gear or military personnel, these garments are now more widely available.
"Clothing treated with repellent chemicals, such as permethrin, creates a barrier that mosquitoes cannot easily penetrate, providing extended protection," Price says.
As David Brown , technical adviser to the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), said TODAY , permethrin-treated clothing "repel all flying insects in addition to ticks, and this method of protection is approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)".
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5 Repellent socks
Mosquitoes love to nibble on your feet and ankles, so shoe covers or repellent socks are a great alternative to wearing insect repellent.
"The treated covers protect the feet and ankles, which are common targets for mosquito bites," Price says. Better life . And like repellent clothing, socks are also treated with permethrin to keep mosquitoes away. Even if you don't have these items, wearing regular socks that cover your ankles still provides some protection.