Why Do Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears?
WouterDuring the summer, you may have heard mosquitoes buzzing in your ears. This annoying sound is quite painful, and may even foreshadow the bite. But how do mosquitoes make this sound? Scientists are learning more about mosquitoes and why they buzz in your ears.
Scientists have found that mosquitoes buzz in your ears for several reasons. For example, mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide. They are also attracted to people with type O blood. And people with type O blood are more likely to be attacked by mosquitoes.
Scientists have also discovered that mosquitoes change the pitch of their buzz to match their mate’s. Female mosquitoes, for example, beat their wings at a much higher pitch than male mosquitoes. These wings are used to fly around, which is why they make such an irritating buzz.
Similarly, male mosquitoes also have wings that beat, but they stay away from ears. They are known to gather food by flying. Unlike female mosquitoes, male mosquitoes don’t want to drink blood. They feed on plant juices and nectar.
Scientists have also found that mosquitoes have an organ at the base of their wings. It rubs against itself when the wings move. This organ, called the Johnston organ, was discovered by Dr. Christopher Johnston almost a century ago.
Researchers at Cornell have also found that mosquitoes buzz in each other’s ears. Scientists are hopeful that this knowledge can be used to prevent mosquito mating. This could reduce the number of diseases that mosquitoes spread.
