It’s like multi-factor authentication in that the mosquitos use infrared among other factors to target humans. Nonetheless, this study helps explain why loose fitting clothes, which eliminate an IR profile, are so effective in preventing bites.

We demonstrate that Ae. aegypti sense the infrared (IR) radiation emanating from their targets and use this information in combination with other cues for highly effective mid-range navigation. Detection of thermal IR requires the heat-activated channel TRPA1, which is expressed in neurons at the tip of the antenna.