Some People Are Mosquito Magnets Here's Why

Aug 02, 2018

While you’re getting thrilled about the thought of summer months approaching, you have probably forgotten about the biggest summer pest of all: mosquitoes! Even just the thought of these insects could make you itchy.

If you’ve been prone to bites from mosquitoes, There are over 3,000 variations of mosquitoes that exist, but the good news is that only 200 species will bite you. Did you know that only female mosquitoes actually bite? These insects begin appearing in the warm weather. During hot temperatures, mosquito eggs begin to hatch. They’re preferential to humid weather, so that’s why you'll see a larger number of these bugs surrounding areas with water, such as ponds, rivers, and lakes.

But are you aware of the traits you might possess that cause you to get bitten more than others?

When it comes to their demeanor, sharks and mosquitoes possess some similar traits. Both species are responsive depending on smells and colors. Mosquitoes can be attracted by components such as bacteria, body odors, alcohol, and carbon dioxide. When you exhale, your body gives off carbon dioxide. The higher amount you produce, the more appetizing you look to a mosquito.

They have the ability to sense carbon dioxide from 150 feet away! Women who are pregnant and people of a bigger size tend to release more CO2, so they are more likely to get bitten by these insects. Alcohol also will rapidly increase CO2 production, leading to more bites as well. The odors your body creates naturally can either deter or attract mosquitoes. Scents that come from lactic acid, uric acid, bacteria or sweat will be very attractive to the insects.

Your own distinctive smell can also attract mosquitoes, especially if your clothing is dirty. Research has shown that the natural odor of certain people will actually repel mosquitoes. This advantage will cause mosquitoes to avoid you as some sort of genetic advantage.

The color of your clothing can also cause mosquitoes to be attracted to you. Although the color of the clothing does not necessarily make it more protective, mosquitoes are prone to attack when they see dark colors such as navy or black. They also become responsive to red clothing.

Mosquitoes can be repelled in more ways than you think. The most obvious way is to bathe yourself, cleansing yourself from bacteria as well as sweat and other body odors. Your clothing can have a huge impact as well. Wearing thicker clothes can stop mosquitos from being able to bite you through the fabric, and wearing light colors may repel them.

You can also use a store-bought lotion that claims to repel mosquitoes. Remember that these insects have higher activity levels at particular times of the day, such as dusk and dawn. Using a fan in your outdoor space can make it more difficult for them to fly around. You can also purchase products or traps that will eradicate the bugs.

It’s unlikely that you can avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes for the whole summer, but these tips will help you repel them in natural ways. Your friends and family will thank you for your wisdom during these hot summer months. How often are you bitten by mosquitoes, or are you one of the lucky ones they aren’t attracted to?

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!