Why do mosquitoes bite people harder in autumn?

As the saying goes, “mosquitoes are more ferocious than tigers after autumn.” Many people feel that they are rarely bitten by mosquitoes in summer, but they are attacked more frequently in autumn. The redness and swelling of mosquito bites are more obvious, and the itching is more severe.

As the weather gets colder, why do mosquitoes suddenly “fight back”? Why are autumn mosquitoes more aggressive than summer mosquitoes?

These reasons make autumn mosquitoes as fierce as tigers

Store energy for winter

Aedes mosquitoes overwinter as eggs, while Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes overwinter as adults. Therefore, some mosquitoes will seize the window period suitable for activity in autumn to intensify blood sucking, accumulate nutrients, and store energy for overwintering.

Reproduction needs

The end of autumn is the last reproduction peak of the year for mosquitoes. They need to suck blood to meet the nutritional needs of laying eggs and reproducing offspring.

🦟How to prevent annoying autumn mosquitoes?

Regularly clean indoor and outdoor water spots

Mosquito eggs, larvae and pupae are inseparable from water. Removing stagnant water is a key part of preventing and killing mosquitoes. It is recommended to clean indoor and outdoor water containers regularly and change the water for aquatic plants frequently, at least once a week.

Look for effective ingredients in mosquito repellent products

Among the chemical categories, DEET has the strongest mosquito repellent effect. A concentration of 5% to 30% can provide protection for 2 to 12 hours and is suitable for long-term outdoor activities.

DEET and picaridin are less irritating and suitable for children and sensitive skin. The protection time is about 4 to 8 hours.

Wear light-colored long-sleeved clothes when going out

Mosquitoes are phosphoric and prefer to move in dark or low-light environments. So if you don’t want mosquitoes to get close, you can wear light-colored clothes.