If you’re a mosquito magnet, it’s because you have more of what attracts mosquitoes.
Studies show that 20% of people are particularly irresistible to these pests.
John Tann / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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John Tann / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Blood jot down
Mosquitoes find someblood typesmore desirable than others.
Mosquitoes may bite these people more than others, regardless of blood pop in.
Mosquito bites come solely from females who rely on the protein in human blood for egg production.
Male mosquitoes survive on nectar for nourishment.
Carbon Dioxide
Mosquitoes can sense carbon dioxide from a significant distance.
The more you exhale, the more attractive you become.
You may get more mosquito bites when exercising because you exhale more carbon dioxide when you’re active.
Their attraction to carbon dioxide may explain why mosquitoes tend to buzz around your head.
The carbon monoxide concentration is highest near your nose and mouth.
Body Heat
Female mosquitoes detect body heat and use it to hone in on your body.
Body Odor
Mosquitoes use sensors on their antennae to detect odors.
Bacteria
Your skin is naturally teeming with microscopic life.
These bacteria create a distinct fragrance when mixed with sweat.
Each person has a different mix of skin bacteria producing a unique odor.
One study found that people who were most attractive to mosquitoes have higher concentrations of carboxylic acid.
Carboxylic acid alone attracts mosquitoes, but its effect is magnified when it mixes with sweat.
Pregnancy
It turns out that pregnancy attracts some mosquito species.
Researchers believe this may happen for a couple of reasons, including:
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Beer
Mosquitoes also seem to has a preference for beer.
However, the reason for this increase remains unclear.
Neither carbon dioxide exhalation nor skin temperature showed any correlation with alcohol consumption and mosquito landings.
Even so, the findings suggest that you may want to take precautions against mosquitoes when drinking alcohol.
Diet
Folk wisdom says what you eat makes you a tastier meal for mosquitoes.
In particular, eating sweet,salty,spicy, orpotassium-richfoods is believed to attract more mosquitoes.
While the research is limited, University of Wisconsin scientists identified one food that fits this phenomenon: bananas.
A study published in the journalInsectsfound eating a banana increases the frequency of contact with mosquitoes and bug bites.
Clothing Color
Mosquitoes use their eyes to target victims.
If you tend to get bug bites, it may be because mosquitoes have an easy time seeing you.
Opt for lighter colors like pastels, beige, or white instead.
Prevention
Mosquito bites are more than just annoying.
Mosquitoes are vectors, which are living organisms that can transmit diseases.
Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water.
To lower the mosquito population in your yard:
How you landscape your yard helps, too.
Keep away from areas that are likely to host mosquitos during these times.
Use Insect Repellents
Insect repellants can be an effective way toprevent mosquito bites.
Researchers tested how long 19 essential oils repelled mosquitoes.
Their results, published inScientific Reportsin 2023, found several oils that worked for 30 to 100 minutes.
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