However, it is clear that they use several senses to find their target. We humans release many different odor-containing chemicals from our bodies. More specifically, we release carbon dioxide and lactic acid that act to attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes have chemical receptors on their antennae that respond to such chemicals and send messages to their little brains. These messages cause the mosquito to adjust its behavior to zero in on the source of the smell.
Mosquitoes are also sensitive to temperature, air currents and humidity.
Some mosquitoes hunt during the day and probably use visual information to find lunch or dinner. It is possible that these daytime feeders are attracted by our movement or dark clothing. DEET was developed by the US Department of Agriculture and was patented by the US Army in 1946. DEET works by disrupting the olfactory sense of mosquitoes so they can't find you. A few reports have raised health concerns regarding the use of DEET-containing products especially by children.