What Attracts Mosquitoes Indoors?

You’ve shut the doors, the windows are closed, and yet somehow… buzz.
Mosquitoes have an annoying talent for finding their way indoors — and once they’re in, they tend to hang around.

So what exactly attracts mosquitoes inside the house? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

1. You (Yes, Really)

Mosquitoes are mainly attracted to carbon dioxide (CO₂), which we breathe out constantly. The more people (or pets) in a room, the stronger the signal.

They’re also drawn to:

• Body heat

• Sweat

• Natural body odours

This is why mosquitoes often hover around faces, ankles, and arms — anywhere warm and exposed.

2. Warm, Still Air

Mosquitoes love warmth and hate strong airflow.

Indoors, they’re especially attracted to:

• Bedrooms at night

• Still, humid rooms

• Areas without fans or ventilation

If the air isn’t moving much, it makes it easier for them to fly, land, and feed.

3. Artificial Light

While mosquitoes aren’t as obsessed with light as moths, they are attracted to certain indoor lighting — especially:

• Bright white lights

• Fluorescent bulbs

• Light near windows and doors at night

Lights can act like a beacon, guiding mosquitoes straight into your home after sunset.

4. Standing Water (Even Tiny Amounts)

Mosquitoes need water to breed, and indoor water sources are often overlooked.

Common indoor trouble spots include:

• Plant saucers

• Pet water bowls

• Vases

• Drips under sinks

• Shower drains

Even a small amount of stagnant water can be enough.

5. Indoor Plants

Houseplants themselves aren’t the problem — it’s the moist soil and water trays underneath them.

Mosquitoes are attracted to:

• Damp potting mix

• Water left sitting in plant saucers

• Overwatered plants

This can turn your leafy décor into a sneaky mosquito hangout.

6. Dark, Hidden Spaces

Once inside, mosquitoes look for places to rest during the day.

Their favourite hiding spots include:

• Under beds

• Behind curtains

• Inside wardrobes

• Under furniture

• In bathrooms and laundries

They prefer dark, undisturbed areas where they won’t be swatted easily.

7. Scents and Smells

Some indoor smells are surprisingly attractive to mosquitoes, including:

• Floral perfumes

• Sweet or fruity scents

• Scented body lotions

• Certain soaps and deodorants

These smells can mimic the natural scents mosquitoes associate with humans and flowers.

How to Make Your Home Less Appealing to Mosquitoes

A few simple changes can make a big difference:

• Use fans to keep air moving

• Empty standing water regularly

• Switch to warm or yellow-toned lighting outdoors and near windows

• Avoid heavily scented products at night

• Keep plants well-drained

• Close doors and windows at dusk

The less welcoming your home feels to mosquitoes, the quicker they’ll move on.

Final Thoughts

Mosquitoes aren’t just randomly annoying — they’re responding to warmth, smells, moisture, and movement (or lack of it). Once you understand what attracts them indoors, it becomes much easier to keep them out.

And let’s be honest… a peaceful, bite-free night’s sleep is worth it 😌

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO). Vector-borne diseases: Mosquito behaviour and breeding.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What attracts mosquitoes to humans.

3. Australian Department of Health. Mosquito management and control.

4. NSW Health. Preventing mosquito bites at home.

5. University of Sydney – Faculty of Science. Mosquito ecology and human environments.