How Come Mosquitoes Don’t Bite Me?
WouterDespite what you may have heard, it is actually very difficult to know why mosquitoes bite certain people and not others. However, scientists are getting closer to the answer. They believe that genetics and olfactory cues play a significant role in this.
Mosquitoes are attracted to certain blood types. They use specific proteins found on red blood cells to tell them which blood group a person is. People with Type A blood are less attractive to mosquitoes, while people with Type O blood are more likely to be bitten.
Other factors may contribute to mosquito attraction. Some chemicals like lactic acid, ammonia, and acetone may also attract mosquitoes. Some people produce more of these chemicals. Others produce less. Several studies have found that certain foods and beverages may increase mosquito bites.
A study in Africa in 2000 found that pregnant women are twice as likely to be bitten as non-pregnant people. This may be related to bacteria on the skin. Several studies have found that people with more bacteria on the skin tend to attract mosquitoes.
People with higher metabolisms may produce more carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide from a half a football field. People with larger bodies naturally exhale more CO2. This may make a person more attractive to mosquitoes.
There are several natural home remedies that can be effective against mosquitoes. Using garlic pills, drinking chamomile tea, and wearing hairspray are all effective ways to prevent mosquito bites.
