What environmental factor do mosquitoes primarily use to locate their hosts?

Mosquitoes primarily locate their hosts using carbon dioxide as a key environmental factor. When humans or animals exhale, they release carbon dioxide, which is a major cue for mosquitoes. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the air increases as an individual breathes, making it easier for mosquitoes to find their next meal.

This ability to detect carbon dioxide is critical for their survival and reproductive success, as it leads them to warm-blooded animals that provide a suitable blood meal necessary for the development of their eggs. While other factors such as heat and humidity can also play a role in attracting mosquitoes, carbon dioxide is the most significant indicator that signals the presence of a potential host.