They’re the uninvited guests at every backyard barbecue, camping trip, and evening stroll: mosquitoes. These buzzing pests are the bane of outdoor events, leaving behind itchy bites, and likely leading to an uncomfortable night’s sleep.
While everyone has their own tried-and-true tips for avoiding them, not everything you’ve heard is true.
It turns out that some big mosquito myths are buzzing around (no, avoiding bananas probably won’t help, and neither will relying solely on citronella candles).
Here’s everything you need to know to stay bite-free this season.
1. Myth: Mosquitoes love the light
Contrary to popular belief, mozzies aren’t mesmerised by your bedroom lamp or those string of fairy lights draped across the deck. Instead, they’re drawn to carbon dioxide and body heat — two things we humans can’t stop producing. Every time you exhale or sweat, you’re essentially sending out an invitation.
Installing ceiling or pedestal fans in your indoor and outdoor entertaining areas can help. The breeze disrupts their flight patterns and makes it harder for them to land on you.
2. Myth: They only live in humid areas
While mosquitoes thrive in humid environments, they can also survive in surprisingly dry conditions. All they need is a small amount of water to breed — think puddles, clogged gutters, or even a forgotten bucket in the backyard.
Considering the amount of rain much of Australia can experience, it’s worth checking your property for water lying around, no matter where you live. Even buckets of rainwater can be a breeding ground for the little suckers.
3. Myth: Everyone gets bitten eventually
If you feel like mozzies treat you like an all-you-can-eat buffet on a cruise ship while leaving others well alone, you’re not imagining it. Mosquitoes would rival any toddler when it comes to being picky eaters, and some people are just more appetising than others.
Factors like your blood type (some research suggests they favour O-positive), body temperature, and, in some instances, what you ate or drank recently can make a difference. Beer drinkers, pregnant women, and people who exercise outdoors may be more likely to get bitten because of increased carbon dioxide and lactic acid production.
4. Myth: All mosquitoes spread diseases
Australia is home to over 300 species of mosquitoes, but only a small percentage carry diseases. While conditions like the Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and dengue fever are a concern in some areas, the average mozzie bite is just an itchy inconvenience. That said, it’s worth noting that some mosquito-borne illnesses can have long-lasting impacts, and some can even be fatal, so prevention is always better than cure.
If you’re travelling to northern Australia or tropical areas, take extra precautions, as these regions have higher risks of mosquito-borne diseases.
About 5000 cases of mosquito-borne disease are reported in Australia each year, with the majority of those due to the Ross River virus. Western Australia and Victoria have issued public health alerts in recent weeks warning about the Ross River virus and Japanese encephalitis virus, which is rarer than Ross River, but potentially fatal.

5. Myth: You only get bitten outdoors
Unlike your dog, mosquitoes aren’t confined to the backyard. They’re more than happy to join you indoors if given half the chance. Open windows, doors, or torn flyscreens are all they need to make themselves at home. Once inside, they’ll gravitate to dark, humid spaces like bathrooms, laundries, and even under your bed.
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so empty pot plant trays and check any other water-filled containers regularly.
6. Myth: Burning a citronella candle will protect you
Citronella candles are often marketed as mosquito-repelling miracle workers, but they’re not as effective as you might think. While they do help reduce bites in the immediate area, they’re no match for a determined mosquito on a mission.
Mosquito nets, screens, and repellents are your best defence against repeat offenders. Look for repellents containing diethyltoluamide (known as DEET), picaridin (also known as icaridin) or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
7. Myth: Scratching makes bites go away faster
It might feel like the ultimate satisfaction, but it’s a fast track to making things worse. Scratching a bite can irritate the skin further and even break it, opening the door for infections and prolonging the healing process
The solution? Resist the urge. Instead, apply an ice pack to numb the area. Anti-itch creams or over-the-counter antihistamines can also work wonders.
8. Myth: You only have to worry about them in summer
While mozzies are most active during summer, they don’t disappear entirely once the temperature drops. In warmer parts of Australia, mosquitoes can be a year-round nuisance. Even in southern states, a few unseasonably warm days (or flooding) can bring them out of hiding.
It’s also a myth that they only bite at dawn and dusk, too. Many species are most active during the early morning and evening, others — like the Aedes aegypti mosquito (a dengue fever carrier) — are active during the day, so apply repellent even if you’re out for a midday stroll.

9. Myth: Eating garlic or taking vitamin B repels them
While it would be nice to fend off mozzies with your diet, there’s no solid scientific evidence to support the idea that garlic, vitamin B, or any other food or supplement makes you less appealing to mosquitoes. They care more about what’s on your skin than what’s in your stomach. Stick with proven repellents rather than relying on kitchen remedies.
10. Myth: Bigger insects mean nastier bites
Size doesn’t matter when it comes to mosquito bites. A tiny mosquito can pack just as itchy a punch as a larger one. The severity of the bite depends more on the individual mosquito species and how your body reacts to the proteins in their saliva.
Be sure to pay attention to areas where different species are prevalent (for example, tropical versus temperate regions), as some are more aggressive than others.
11. Myth: Mosquitoes don’t bite through clothes
Thin or tight clothing is no match for a determined mosquito. They can easily pierce through fabrics like leggings or lightweight cotton to get to your skin.
Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing in light colours, as mozzies are also attracted to dark shades.
12. Myth: If you can’t hear them buzzing, they’re not there
Not all mosquito species make a noticeable buzzing sound, and their ‘silent flight’ can make them harder to detect. Male mosquitoes, for example, don’t bite at all and often buzz more loudly than their female counterparts.
In other words? Don’t rely on sound to gauge activity — assume they’re always around in mozzie-prone areas.

How to treat mosquito bites
Even with all the precautions in place, bites can happen. When they do, here’s your best course of action.
Clean the bite area: Wash with soap and water to prevent infection.
Apply an ice pack: This reduces swelling and numbs the itch.
Use anti-itch creams or antihistamines: Look for products containing hydrocortisone or calamine.
Avoid scratching: If you’re struggling, cover the bite with something to help keep your hands off.
See a doctor if needed: If you experience severe swelling, signs of infection, or unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.