Are Mosquitoes More Attracted to Females?
WouterAmong the many questions about mosquitoes, one of the most common is: Are mosquitoes more attracted to females? There are a number of reasons why this may be the case, but researchers aren’t completely sure of the answer.
Scientists have found that pregnant women are attracted to mosquitoes. The reason is pretty simple: pregnant women have a higher body temperature, which allows them to detect their targets more easily. The extra heat also allows them to produce more carbon dioxide, which can lure in mosquitoes.
In addition, some experts believe that drinking alcohol can increase the body’s ability to produce chemicals that attract mosquitoes. A small 2002 study found that people who consumed alcohol were more attractive to mosquitoes. In addition, a 2011 study found that people with a high diversity of microbes on their skin were less attractive to mosquitoes.
Other studies have shown that the body odor of a person is determined by genetics. In addition, the bacteria that live on a person’s skin metabolize components of sweat into odorous byproducts. These odorous byproducts are what mosquitoes are attracted to.
Blood is also an important attractant for mosquitoes. If a person is carrying malaria parasites, they will be more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes. The presence of these parasites is a significant cause of early infant mortality.
Other factors that can attract mosquitoes are body odor, movement, and blood type. The human body produces more lactic acid, which is a strong mosquito attractant.
