why do mosquitoes come near light?

Answer 1

When insects fly at night they use light sources such as the moon for navigation. Light from a distant source reaches both eyes with the same intensity. This enables the insect to fly in a straight line with both wings beating at the same rate.

If the light is from a closer source such as a candle or lantern, it changes the insect's perception. The light is perceived stronger in one eye than in the other eye. This causes the wing on one side to move faster. The insect then begins to approach the light in a spiral path, eventually drawing them into the light itself.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Mosquitoes aren't attracted to light. Many bugs and insects are, but not mosquitoes.

"Mosquitoes and Light
If you want to keep insects away, you can use light of the appropriate wavelength to attract them. Strategically placed outdoor lighting can concentrate unwanted insects elsewhere. Mercury vapor lamps 150 to 200 feet away from occupied areas can divert nuisance insects away from high-traffic areas.

* While many pests are attracted to light, mosquitoes are not."

http://mosquitocontrol.lifetips.com/cat/61202/mosquito-zapper/

"These are only useful against insects that are readily attracted to light. Most kinds of mosquitoes are not attracted to lights enough to be controlled in this manner."

http://www.town.oxford.ma.us/Boh/Mosquito.htm

Answer 3

Mosquitoes, I believe, see in infrared (that's how they find your warm body to drink blood from). They're coming toward the heat from the lightbulb, not the light.

Answer 4

www.biosensory.com/questions.html
www.nomorebites.com/faq.html
blogs.webmd.com/.../2006/06/summer-safety-part-1-mosquitoes-be.html