How Come Mosquitoes Only Bite Me?
WouterDespite popular belief, mosquitoes don’t always bite the same people. In fact, scientists haven’t come to a complete understanding of how mosquitoes choose their targets. There are many factors that contribute to mosquitoes’ attraction.
One of the main factors that attract mosquitoes is the amount of carbon dioxide in our breath. Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide from 164 feet away.
Another factor that can attract mosquitoes is body odor. Bacteria on our skin metabolize the components of sweat into odorous byproducts. Some people produce more chemicals than others. These chemicals include lactic acid.
A person’s blood type also plays a role in the attraction of mosquitoes. The blood type of a person can be determined by genetics. People with type A blood tend to get bitten less often than those with type O blood.
People who are pregnant have double the amount of mosquito attractants as non-pregnant individuals. This is because the pregnant woman is more likely to exhale more carbon dioxide than non-pregnant individuals.
The temperature of a person’s body can also affect mosquito attraction. Mosquitoes prefer people with warmer bodies. People who are active also tend to produce more carbon dioxide than other individuals.
Mosquitoes also rely on a number of different attractants to find their targets. Some of these attractants include lactic acid and carbon dioxide. These attractants can also attract other mosquito species.
There are a number of home remedies that can help you avoid mosquito bites. Some of these include garlic pills, hairspray, and body spray. Using nets is also effective.
