These annoying critters are a real pest in the summer months, particularly when they hover near our ears at night.

These annoying critters are a real pest in the summer months, particularly when they hover near our ears at night.
T O
Nature

The reason why mosquitoes fly close to your ear at night

Oliver Povey
Oli joined the Latest News team in 2021, taking an interest in economics, world news, and articles that build from his study of history. He also dabbles in sports writing, joining the coverage of the last soccer World Cup as well as European Champions League games. He enjoys playing football, electronic music, and painting miniatures.
Update:

Mosquitoes are notorious for their annoying buzzing which can be attributed to several factors related to their biology and attraction to humans.

The primary reason mosquitoes are drawn to our heads is the carbon dioxide (CO2) we exhale. When we breathe, we release CO2, which mosquitoes can detect from considerable distances - up to 50 meters away. This chemical cue leads them to our vicinity, especially around our mouths and noses, where the concentration is highest.

Since our ears are close to these areas, they often find themselves buzzing around our heads.

Additionally, mosquitoes are attracted to body heat and sweat, which are more pronounced during warmer months. The combination of CO2, heat, and the scent of sweat creates an inviting environment for these insects, making us prime targets for their feeding.

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The sound that we associate with mosquitoes is produced by their rapidly flapping wings, which can beat up to 1,000 times per second.

This buzzing serves multiple purposes, including communication between mosquitoes and attracting mates. Female mosquitoes, which are the ones that bite, generate a higher-pitched sound compared to males. Still, there is no question both are as annoying as each other.

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