New research from the University of California Santa Barbara reveals that mosquitos have a unique hunting method that mimics the Predator from the sci-fi film franchise. Researchers discovered that mosquitoes use infrared sensors in their antennae to locate human prey, even when vision or scent is impaired.

According to molecular biologist Nicholas Debeaubien, mosquitoes detect humans using a combination of body heat, carbon dioxide, and human odors. When all three cues are present, mosquitoes are more likely to land and attempt to feed.

The study suggests that loose-fitting clothing can help reduce bites by dispersing body heat, making humans less visible to mosquitoes’ infrared sensors. This breakthrough could also inspire new mosquito traps that use thermal bait to attract and capture mosquitoes, potentially saving lives.

Mosquitoes transmit diseases like yellow fever, dengue, Zika, and malaria, which cause hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year. The new findings could pave the way for more effective prevention methods against mosquito-borne diseases.