Why Mosquitoes Are Worst in the Bedroom at Night

You turn off the light, settle into bed and then comes the high-pitched whine near your ear. Mosquitoes seem to save their worst for the bedroom at night. It is not bad luck: your bedroom at night offers them almost everything they want.

This guide explains why and what to do.

The short answer

Mosquitoes are most troublesome in bedrooms at night because you are still, warm and breathing out carbon dioxide for hours, which they detect from a distance, because night-biting species such as Culex are most active then, because bedrooms are often dark, humid and have hiding spots, and because open windows and gaps let them in. To protect your sleep, screen windows and doors, use a bed net or a safe repellent, remove standing water nearby, keep the room cool and ventilated by fan, and check for hidden mosquitoes before bed.

What attracts them to you

• Carbon dioxide: We exhale it, and mosquitoes follow it to find hosts.
• Body heat and moisture: Warm skin stands out.
• Body odours and skin chemicals: Some people attract them more.
• Stillness: A sleeping person is an easy target.

Why the bedroom specifically

1. You spend many hours there at night, the active time for many mosquitoes.
2. Dark, cool, humid corners behind curtains, under beds and in wardrobes are good resting spots.
3. Attached bathrooms, drains and plants bring moisture and water.
4. Windows and doors left open for ventilation let them in.
5. Lights attract insects towards open windows, and mosquitoes follow.

Which mosquitoes

• Culex mosquitoes are common indoors at night.
• Aedes mosquitoes, which spread dengue and chikungunya, mostly bite by day but can bite indoors, including in the evening.
• Anopheles mosquitoes, which spread malaria, bite mostly at dusk and night.

How to protect your sleep

1. Screens: Fit fine mesh screens on windows and doors, and keep them in good repair.
2. Bed nets: A properly tucked net gives dependable protection.
3. Repellents: Use products suitable for your age and condition, as directed. See our guides on repellent safety.
4. Fans and cool air: A fan makes it harder for mosquitoes to land and disperses carbon dioxide.
5. Close doors and windows at dusk or use mesh.
6. Check the room before bed for resting mosquitoes on walls and curtains.

Remove breeding sources

• Empty and dry water containers, flower vases, plant saucers and coolers regularly.
• Cover water tanks and fix leaks.
• Keep bathroom drains clean and covered.

Things that do not help much

• Leaving a light on.
• Relying on strong smells.

When to see a doctor

If you develop fever, severe headache, joint pain or rash after mosquito bites, see a doctor promptly.

When to call a professional

If mosquitoes are persistent indoors despite precautions, a professional can find breeding sources around the home and treat them.

Frequently asked questions

Why do they always target me?

Differences in body chemistry, heat and breath make some people more attractive.

Does a fan help?

Yes. It makes landing harder.

Do mosquito coils work?

See our guide on vaporizers and coils for safety notes.

Can mosquitoes live in the bedroom?

They rest there, but they breed in water nearby.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on mosquito control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full mosquito control guide for Bangalore.