Do Mosquitoes Have a Preference For Certain Types of People?
WouterUntil recently, there was no clear understanding of whether mosquitoes have a preference for certain types of individuals. However, some recent research suggests that there are certain factors that are responsible for the differential attraction of different species of biting insects.
Some of the most common attractants are body heat, carbon dioxide, and odor. However, these are not the only factors that determine whether a person is attractive to a mosquito. In addition, the composition of the host’s bacteria on the skin may play a significant role in determining the mosquitoes’ preferred host.
One of the most important components of a person’s sweat is lactic acid. This molecule is not smelly by itself, but can be highly effective in attracting a mosquito.
Other commonly reported repellents include garlic, beer, and vitamin B. However, studies have not shown that these compounds work effectively. Some have suggested that certain blood group antigens can make a person more attractive to mosquitoes.
One study showed that pregnant women were more attracted to mosquitoes than non-pregnant women. This may be related to the fact that pregnant women produce more carbon dioxide. Also, pregnant women have an increased body temperature.
Another study found that the attractiveness of a person to a mosquito is largely dependent on their blood type. People with type O blood are more attractive to mosquitoes than people with other types of blood. These findings are consistent with previous studies.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito has been shown to prefer objects that are black in color. In addition, it has been found that visual objects in the 450-600 nm wavelength range have a specific preference.
