Why Mosquitoes Don’t Bite Me
WouterUsing their keen senses and sense of smell, mosquitoes find people and bite them. They are specialized hunters and depend on a variety of attractants to find their hosts. The main attractants are carbon dioxide and body heat. But the amount of each attractant and the person’s genetics and blood type affect their likelihood of being bitten.
Scientists are trying to determine the reason why some people are bitten more than others. Pregnant women, for example, are more attractive to mosquitoes because their bodies emit more CO2. And larger individuals produce more CO2 than smaller ones.
Other substances that mosquitoes find attractive are lactic acid, acetone, and ammonia. These odorous chemicals are released by bacteria on the skin, and are part of the body’s sweat.
But there are ways to make your own repellents to avoid being bitten. Unprocessed honey is a natural mosquito repellent. It contains an enzyme called catalase that works to break down inflammation. It can also be applied to mosquito bites to soothe pain. Other effective repellents include hairspray, insect repellent, and nets.
While scientists are still trying to understand why mosquitoes bite some people more than others, there are some things you can do to help yourself. Wear light-colored clothing, avoid strenuous exercise, and take a Vitamin B supplement. And avoid wearing perfume or salty snacks, as these are considered to increase your chances of being bitten.
But the best way to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes is to not be bitten in the first place. The most effective way to do this is to stay away from areas where you can easily be bitten, and to use a good mosquito repellent.
