Here are the superpowers mosquitoes have to locate us

Mosquitoes are known for their ability to detect humans from a distance, primarily due to the carbon dioxide (CO₂) we exhale and body odors.

However, a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has revealed another sophisticated mechanism: these insects also use infrared radiation emitted by body heat to locate their targets.


For decades, scientists have sought to understand the methods mosquitoes use to find their hosts. Although they have limited vision, mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti can detect a variety of signals like CO₂ and human scents. However, these cues can be disrupted by external factors such as wind. This is why the research team explored the possibility that mosquitoes, like certain animal species, could detect infrared radiation.

Researchers conducted a laboratory experiment in which female mosquitoes were exposed to two separate zones, both saturated with human odors and CO₂. Only one of these zones also emitted infrared radiation at a temperature of 93 °F (34 °C), similar to human skin. The results showed that the addition of infrared radiation doubled the host-seeking activity of mosquitoes. This behavior was observed at distances up to approximately 27 inches (70 cm).

This discovery reveals that mosquitoes integrate infrared radiation as an additional signal to effectively locate their targets. Nonetheless, this infrared signal is effective only when combined with other cues, such as increased CO₂ and human odor. The researchers also identified the presence of heat-sensitive proteins, notably TRPA1, on the antennas of mosquitoes, which respond to this infrared radiation.

The study also highlights the importance of clothing in preventing mosquito bites. Loose-fitting clothing helps dissipate the infrared radiation emitted by the body, making detection more difficult for mosquitoes. These findings pave the way for the development of new repellents and mosquito traps, offering promising solutions for public health, especially in combating mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and Zika.