How Mosquitoes Choose Their Targets
WouterUsing smell and sight, mosquitoes find their target and choose a meal. They attack with zeal and a single-mindedness. They are known to carry a variety of diseases, including yellow fever, elephantiasis, dengue fever, and Rift Valley fever. In addition, they are carriers of other viruses, including West Nile virus.
Mosquitoes use a variety of attractants to detect their target, such as sweat and carbon dioxide. They also have a sense of smell and are capable of detecting blood.
The most important mosquito attractant is the lactic acid in sweat. This is particularly important for human-biting species.
Other attractants include body heat and body odor. People with light colored clothes and dark colors are less likely to be bitten.
Although a few people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others, the majority of people are not targeted. Scientists have not yet figured out how mosquitoes decide on their targets, but there are some interesting theories.
There are many products on the market, such as homeopathy remedies, anti-mosquito sprays, and smoking coils, which can help discourage mosquitoes. However, there are some mosquito triggers that are unavoidable.
For example, a person with dark hair and a white shirt is more attractive to a mosquito than a person with blonde hair and a black shirt. Another common attraction is to a woman with exposed ankles.
It’s also important to know that genetics play a role in determining your body’s metabolic rate. Some people are prone to high levels of cholesterol and uric acid, which may attract mosquitoes. You can moderate your metabolic rate through diet and exercise.
