Can Mosquitoes Enter My Nose?
WouterBesides mosquitoes, ants, ladybugs, and yellow jackets are also known to enter a nostril or orifice. That’s probably a bit of a stretch, however, given their small size and their ability to enter any air-filled space.
Mosquitoes use their olfactory system to locate food. Their antennae have special “odorant receptors” that are similar to taste buds on the tongue. They detect odor molecules and transmit this information to the brain. These receptors may be important in guiding mosquitoes toward humans.
Scientists have found mosquito genes that respond to human odors. The genes are located in the mosquito’s antennae, which also include nerve cells. The insects have over 80 different types of odorant receptors (OSNs). One OSN, called Ir8a, responds to lactic acid. Lactic acid is a byproduct of cells that produce energy when you exercise.
Mosquitoes prefer humans who have a certain amount of lactic acid in their body. People who have recently exercised are more attractive to mosquitoes. Similarly, pregnant women produce more carbon dioxide than normal.
Scientists have also discovered mosquito genes that respond to human body odor. In one study, twenty percent of people were found to be more attractive to mosquitoes than other people. Researchers believe that this may have something to do with the presence of lactic acid.
Scientists are still trying to understand how mosquitoes pick up human odors. Mosquitoes have a keen sense of smell and can detect human scents up to fifty meters away.
