Why Mosquitos But Some People More Than Others

There is nothing that can ruin a nice summer evening like the incessant buzzing of mosquitoes. You might have experienced this annoying tendency at a backyard BBQ, on a patio, or even during a walk, and it is as follows:

others appear to be having a great time, bite-free, whereas you are scratching itchy welts. When this rings a bell, it is not in your head. Science proves that mosquitoes are not indiscriminate. As a matter of fact,

approximately 20 percent of individuals are particularly susceptible to bites, whereas the rest are mostly disregarded. Why are these unfortunate few so attractive? The solution is a combination of biology, behavior and even fashion.

Blood type is one of the factors. A number of studies have revealed that mosquitoes are especially attracted to individuals with Type O blood. Others, such as the Asian tiger mosquito, prefer this group,

and others, such as the marsh mosquito, attack people with Type AB. This is not an arbitrary choice, approximately 80 percent of human beings produce chemical messages on their skin that indicate their blood type. The ones who do are more likely to be bitten statistically.

Carbon dioxide is another big attractant- the air we breathe out. Mosquitoes have sensors that can sense CO 2 at long distances. The bigger the person, the more of it they are likely to produce, and adults are more likely to be targeted than children.

It is also the reason why you tend to be swatting at your face or arms; the mouth and nose are natural emission points, so those are the best places to land.

Heat and sweat also make you more prone to a bite. Mosquitoes are attracted to warmth and a person who is exercising or is just overheated releases both heat and chemical cues via sweat. Such compounds

as ammonia and lactic acid, which are found in perspiration, are known attractants. When you just came back after jogging or you are having a hot day outside, you are basically inviting mosquitoes to dinner.

Your skin has a surprising role to play, too, in the unique microbiome. Bacteria cover our bodies especially on parts such as the feet and ankles. When these microbes combine with sweat they produce

different odors some of which are more attractive to mosquitoes than others. That is why bites usually concentrate on the ankles, although it is such an inconvenient place to bite.

Another condition that increases your mosquito magnetism is pregnancy. A research in Africa showed that pregnant women were bitten almost twice as frequently as non-pregnant women. This is mostly because of the high body temperature and high carbon dioxide production- both are natural during pregnancy.

Amazingly, the use of alcohol also appears to influence the behavior of mosquitoes. In a study conducted in 2002, it was noted that people who consumed beer were more likely to be bitten as compared to those who consumed water although there was no significant difference in their carbon dioxide levels.

It is not clear why this is the case but it is believed that alcohol changes the body odor or skin temperature in a manner that is attractive to the mosquitoes. Therefore, when you are having a drink outside, you should think of using repellent.

Your diet may be even working against you. It is said that mosquitoes are more attracted to individuals who eat salty, spicy or potassium-rich foods. A University of Wisconsin experiment indicated that bananas specifically could be used as a mosquito attractant. Therefore, a banana can be a healthy snack but it can also be attracting unwanted flying visitors.

And last but not least, there is color, that is, the colors of your clothes. Dark colors such as black and deep green are more visible to the mosquitoes and they can easily target them. You can wear lighter colors like white, beige or pastel colors to be less visible to them. It is not foolproof, but it can make you less attractive.

To the victims who are always the target, the case might appear hopeless. But knowing what attracts you to mosquitoes provides a few defense strategies. Wearing light-colored clothes, avoiding alcohol,

controlling sweat, and insect repellent are some of the proactive measures. Not all risk factors are under your control (such as pregnancy or your blood type), but a set of behavioral changes and protective measures can greatly decrease your risk of being bitten.

You end up not only being unlucky, but biologically attractive. However, now that you understand the reason, you can begin to take some measures to ensure that you become a less desirable meal to the mosquitoes this summer.