Why Do Mosquitoes Keep Biting Me?
WouterGetting bitten by mosquitoes can be an unpleasant experience. The bite can itch and cause swelling, and sometimes you may have an allergic reaction. In addition, mosquitoes can carry several diseases, including malaria and dengue fever.
Mosquitoes use their olfactory senses to identify their hosts. Some species prefer to bite certain people, while others prefer others. They are also attracted to certain scents.
For instance, one study found that people who wore darker clothing were more attractive to mosquitoes. Another study found that mosquitoes were attracted to darker colors, and were less attracted to colors like green and blue.
Blood type is a major component of mosquito attraction. For instance, people with Type O blood tend to get more bites than others.
Carbon dioxide plays a role in attracting mosquitoes. Mosquitoes use the scent of carbon dioxide to identify their host. They detect this smell by using the maxillary palp, which is a part of the mouth that is closest to the throat. The palp can detect carbon dioxide from up to 164 feet away.
Sebum, the oily substance on the skin, contains chemicals that attract mosquitoes. Sebum varies in composition, depending on the amount of long chain aldehydes, as well as other factors.
Other chemicals that attract mosquitoes include ammonia, acetone, and lactic acid. Although this is not the most scientific explanation, it does show that there is a connection between certain chemicals and mosquito attraction.
One study found that pregnant women had a higher incidence of mosquito bites than non-pregnant people. Pregnant women release more carbon dioxide into the air than other people. This increased carbon dioxide may have made them more attractive to mosquitoes.
