Have you experienced itching like crazy because of mosquito bites, but the people sitting next to you weren’t bothered by these bloodsuckers? If this happened to you, you might think that you probably have something in your blood that particularly attracts them.
The list below explains why some people are more susceptible to mosquito bites than others. Most of the findings here are backed by science, while others are still up for debate.
Blood type
A 2019 study found that people with Type O blood are two times more likely to attract mosquitoes than those with Type A blood. In addition, around 87% of people produce a secretion that “tells” these insects their blood type, which increases their chance of getting bites compared to the non-secretors.
Carbon dioxide
The amount of carbon dioxide people emit is the most influential factor when it comes to attracting mosquitoes. This is why you tend to get more bites while doing your outdoor exercises during evening hours.
Sweat and heat
Aside from carbon dioxide, mosquitoes can detect their hosts through their heat and sweat, which contains ammonia and lactic acid, compounds that these insects also prefer. Hence, you may want to avoid exercising outdoors during dusk and dawn or at least use repellent and wear light-colored clothing, especially outdoors.
Certain odor
Some studies have suggested that people who emit certain body odor, which is mostly determined by genes and microbes on the skin, are more prone to mosquito bites than others.
Researchers have also found that certain skin microbes and having a high diversity of bacteria on the skin make some people less susceptible to mosquito bites compared to others.
Color of the apparel
Several studies have shown that mosquitoes are more attracted to darker colors than lighter ones. Researchers believe that the high contrast in colors is the reason why mosquitoes prefer people wearing dark jeans and tops than those wearing a more subdued hue.
In addition, darker fabrics get hotter because they absorb more heat, which causes you to sweat more, making you even more attractive to mosquitoes.
Pregnancy
Mosquitoes are more attracted to pregnant women than their non-pregnant counterparts because of their higher metabolic rates, causing them to release more carbon dioxide and have a higher body temperature than normal.
The abdomen of pregnant women particularly attracts mosquitoes because, on average, it is 0.7 degrees celsius hotter than the rest of their body.
Alcohol
A 2002 study found that people who had consumed beer were more likely to have mosquito bites than those who did not. While the reasons remain unclear, the researchers suggest that it could be the presence of ethanol in sweat or the increase in body temperature.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Rocklin Pest Control, one of the leading Sacramento pest control companies, share some tips on how to help prevent mosquito bites:
- Remove items where stagnant water can collect. Remember, a bottle cap that contains water is enough for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
- Stay indoors during dusk and dawn, which are considered peak mosquito times.
- Wear light-colored clothing (ideally long sleeves and pants), especially outdoors.
- Wear insect repellent.
- Don’t leave windows and doors open without screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
- Try natural mosquito repellent for your yard. Choose a natural pest control Sacramento company that offers these products that have no or little impact on the environment.
To learn more about natural mosquito control treatments, contact Rocklin Pest Control at (916) 884-6114. They have been serving South Placer Countly, Sacramento County, and the nearby communities for more than 15 years.