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.

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.

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:

These fabrics tend to be on the lighter side and mosquitoes can quickly puncture these materials to reach your skin. That means you should leave your favorite leggings at home! (However, if you do suffer a bite, we’ve got tips for how to stop the itch .)

Can mosquitoes bite through jeans? They can, but they probably won’t try. Denim is a thick fabric, and a mosquito will most likely look for an easier target instead. Tightly woven fabrics and loose clothing also deter mosquitoes—and don’t forget to wear socks!

Because insect repellents, such as DEET, are not safe for use on babies, infants and very young children, clothing is the best way to protect them from mosquito bites. Instead, dressing children from head-to-toe is a better option. Thick fabrics are the best line of defense against bites!

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:

Mosquitoes are one of the most hated insects in the world. Not only do their bites itch like mad, but they also spread serious, sometimes deadly diseases. West Nile and Zika are the most well-known.

The symptoms of West Nile virus range from barely noticeable to deadly. While mild headaches and low fevers are the most common, some symptoms require immediate medical attention. In rare cases, encephalitis or meningitis may develop; both of which can cause permanent neurological damage or death.

Zika virus symptoms are usually mild, and most people recover quickly. However, Zika can cause birth defects. Doctors have reported cases of microcephaly (small heads) in infants born after Zika exposure, and pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas with Zika-carrying mosquitoes for this very reason.

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You want to enjoy the outdoors during the summer, but you don’t want to deal with itchy mosquito bites. 247 Local Pest Control has a proven solution for you. We offer barrier sprays and natural treatments to reduce mosquito populations.

Is the constant buzz of mosquitoes in your yard driving you crazy? Call 247 Local Pest Control today at (833) 220-1001 or contact us online to schedule a full lawn treatment with our experts.