Mosquitoes Use Infrared Detection to Locate Human Hosts

New research reveals how mosquitoes' ability to sense body heat enhances their host-seeking behavior.

Mosquitoes can detect infrared radiation from human skin, doubling their host-seeking activity.
The infrared detection mechanism helps mosquitoes locate humans more effectively than just relying on CO2 and body odor.
This discovery could lead to improved mosquito control methods, including enhanced traps and protective clothing.
The protein TRPA1 in mosquito antennae is key to their infrared sensing capability.
Climate change and global travel are expanding the range of disease-carrying mosquitoes.