Do mosquito bites ever seem to appear out of thin air? After all, you wear clothing each day and still wake up with red, itchy welts. It’s almost as if the insect pierced your favorite shirt to reach your skin. Can mosquitoes bite through clothes? We know you’re itching to learn the answer, and this blog won’t disappoint.
The Shocking Truth About Mosquitoes and Clothing
Mosquitoes are a huge nuisance, but their tiny bodies can’t possibly bite you through a t-shirt, right? Surely the mosquito had to crawl under your clothing to drink your blood. That’s the only logical answer, correct? Let’s cut to the chase: Do mosquitoes bite through clothes? In some instances, yes. You read that correctly. Mosquitoes CAN and DO bite victims through certain fabrics. Although they prefer to go after bare skin, it is true that a thin shirt or flimsy pair of leggings won’t stop them.The Type of Fabric Matters
Although mosquitoes can feast on your blood through your clothing, it’s not their preferred method. They will always look for exposed skin first. And there are some types of clothing mosquitoes can’t bite through. Thicker materials offer more protection than thin, breezy fabrics. Here are some materials to avoid wearing outdoors:- Silk
- Rayon
- Linen
- Thin cotton
- Spandex
What to Do When Clothing Isn’t Enough
Even if you take all the precautions and wear heavy-duty fabrics, you may still get mosquito bites. What gives? In most cases, the mosquito gets under your clothing before taking a drink. Gaps near the neckline, sleeves, or even buttons are perfect mosquito entryways. Here’s what you can do about it:- Always pack plenty of insect repellent. Be sure to spray directly on your clothes but avoid getting it on your bare skin. DEET and other pesticides may cause skin reactions.
- Light a fragrant citronella candle. Even though you may enjoy the aroma, mosquitoes can’t stand it. They’ll fly away and leave you alone.
- Avoid standing water. Mosquitoes love moisture and humid environments. Remember to drain any buckets or containers in the yard.