In a group of people, not everyone may get bitten by mosquitoes. Unfortunately, you may have experienced being targeted by these tiny insects. This prompts you to ask, “why are mosquitoes attracted to me?”. Knowing why do mosquitoes bite and what attracts mosquitoes can be one way to stay protected.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Me?
The carbon dioxide that humans exhale attracts mosquitoes. The same goes for body heat, but mosquitoes can respond differently to different potential blood sources.
What blood type attracts mosquitoes the most? The blood type O is suggested to be more attractive. As well as drinking beer or being pregnant can contribute to why mosquitoes bite. However, this research centers on one type of mosquito species, so results may be different for other types.
The human skin has about 400 chemical compounds that may affect how mosquitoes respond to the body. This can be caused by sweat mixed with bacteria, and the smell can vary from one person to another.
Genetics may also play a role, while diet and physiology are almost insignificant factors. Regardless of what blood type attracts mosquitoes, lifestyle doesn’t also really make much of a difference. Even if you keep moving to any song that will get you to dance, you may still end up asking, “Why do mosquitoes bite me?”
What are Mosquitoes Attracted to?
Lactic acid found in sweat is heavily studied. It is the main reason why mosquitoes like the Aedes aegypti get attracted to the human skin. Your sweaty friend may have complained to you once, “why are mosquitoes attracted to me?”. If you or anyone you know loves exercising near wetlands, then consider this as a warning.
Anopheles Gambiae
Anopheles gambiae, the malaria-spreading mosquitoes, finds Limburger cheese attractive. This type of cheese gives off an aroma that may remind you of germs living between your toes. This is why this mosquito species find smelly feet attractive.
Aedes Aegypti
The Aedes aegypti species doesn’t show the same results even when exposed to the same type of cheese. There is a key difference between these mosquitoes’ behavior. Just like trying to understand why a fountain pen isn’t working, studying the habits of mosquitoes are difficult.
Prevention Can Be Tricky
We all react differently to mosquito bites. You may think, “why are mosquitoes attracted to me?” yet you may be surprised to find out that others have been bitten but don’t react as much as you do. We all have different reactions to the mosquito’s spit that gets in contact with our skin during a mosquito feeding.
As you complain, “why do mosquitoes bite me?”, some people who don’t react to being bitten may have actually been bitten. It is unlikely for someone in a group to avoid getting bitten.
If you’re the one who doesn’t react much to a mosquito bite, you may end up getting complacent. If you aren’t aware of what are mosquitoes attracted to, then one mosquito bite can already lead to a mosquito-borne disease without you knowing. There is no solid evidence from studies that suggests you can drink or eat something to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Getting rid of mosquitoes can be as tough as getting rid of mice and rats in your house. Now that you know what attracts mosquitoes, it’s time to take action. Finding smells that mosquitoes hate will help repel them and avoid any bites. At the same time, choosing the right repellents will help you, your friends and your family stay protected.