Have you ever been the only one in your group plagued by mosquito bites? There’s a reason for that!
Did you know, female mosquitoes are the only ones that bite humans? Male mosquitoes get their food from drinking flower nectar to get sugar; females drink blood to help with laying their eggs. The female mosquito is practically built to be a little vampire – every body part is geared toward finding blood.
7 Reasons Why Mosquitoes Are Attracted To You
There are a variety of factors that attract the female mosquito to you, including:
Body odor
Compounds in sweat and skin, such as lactic acid, ammonia, and cholesterol, can produce an odor that attracts mosquitoes.
Skin bacteria
The types and amount of bacteria on a person’s skin can create a distinct fragrance when mixed with sweat, affecting how many mosquito bites they get.
Carbon dioxide
Mosquitoes have sensitive antennas that detect the level of carbon dioxide in the air, so people with higher metabolisms who exhale more carbon dioxide are more likely to attract mosquitoes. Pregnant women also produce more carbon dioxide than others because of their heavier breathing.
Body Heat
Alcohol can make people warmer, which can cause them to sweat more and become more attractive to mosquitoes.
Sweat
Mosquitoes are especially drawn to sweat, which contains an attractive octanol chemical.
Blood Type
Type O and Type AB blood have also been shown to be a preference for some mosquito species. About 80% of people produce a secretion that gives off what blood type they are, practically waving a flag for mosquitoes.
Clothing Color
The female mosquito is often drawn more toward black and red clothing and less likely drawn to white and green.
The Unlucky 20%
Research suggests that some people are simply more attractive to mosquitoes than others. This could be due to a combination of the factors listed above. If you find yourself constantly swatting away mosquitos, you might be part of this unlucky group!
Beyond Annoyance: Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. They can transmit serious diseases like malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Zika. The spread of these diseases is actually being made worse by climate change, which is creating ideal mosquito habitats in more areas of the world.
Fight the Bite!
Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your outdoor fun! Here are some tips:
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Use insect repellent: Look for repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535.
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Wear long sleeves and pants: This may not be ideal in hot weather, but it’s an effective way to create a barrier against mosquitoes.
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Treat your clothes with permethrin: This is a safe and effective way to repel mosquitoes on clothing.
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Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: Get rid of standing water around your home, where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
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Seek Professional help: Utilizing professional yard sprays can make all the difference in keeping mosquitoes at bay.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the outdoors without becoming a mosquito’s dinner!
Need help? At EcoPro Termite & Pest, we offer mosquito services that help you relax and enjoy your time outdoors. Call us today and we’ll be happy to help you make your backyard your paradise!
Featured Photo by Mithil Girish on Unsplash
Blog Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash