Have you ever asked yourself why you seem to get more mosquito bites than others? Is this just a random event where you just happen to be around, or are mosquitoes obsessed with you? (not in a Twilight type of way, though).
It’s not for the lack of trying to repel them. It’s because you are biologically attractive to them. You may not be aware, but these biological factors at play make you very attractive to these bloodsuckers.
Some people (like yourself) are just natural mosquito magnets. Scientists and health practitioners have been studying why that is the case. What have they found out? What do studies say about this?
Four Scientifically Studied Reasons That Prove Why You Get More Mosquito Bites
As it turns out, you might get those mosquito bites because the bugs turn out to be picky eaters!
1 – Odor
Mosquitoes are unique as they have more than one olfactory receptor. So, if they smell you, then they smell you.
The human body produces a blend of chemicals that are detected by mosquitoes through your odor. But before detecting odor, they first notice the CO2 (carbon dioxide) of a person. A mosquito can sense CO2 even from a distance of more than 30 feet,
Neurogeneticist Matthew DeGennaro shared in an interview. The odor and CO2 are significant factors in detection and sustained flight, but odor seems to rank higher than the two at a distance. These little guys just like the way you smell.
2 – Body Heat
Neurogeneticist Matthew DeGennaro shared in an interview with NPR that after they’ve detected and followed your smell, mosquitoes start to feel your body heat. Aside from having a wicked sense of smell, DeGennaro added that mosquitoes can taste your skin with their legs! After this, they take the bite.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jonathan Day, a professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida, shared in an article that mosquitoes bite areas wherein the blood is the closest to the surface. These areas are determined by heat. These areas are the forehead, wrists, elbows, and neck. Make sure to take note of these hotspots when you put on mosquito repellent products.
3 – Blood Type
Yep, mosquitoes have a favorite blood type (which is almost expected). A study found that people with Type O blood were more attractive to mosquitoes than other blood types (A, B, and AB). No wonder they keep coming back for more!
4 – Visual Cues
According to the study results, researchers discovered that mosquitoes found still objects with a solid color (specifically the colors red and black) and low reflectance to be most attractive. However, visual cues aren’t that crucial in host detection. But they are supplemental. For instance, after detecting odor, mosquitoes can use visual cues in their flight to the host. This helps find their way to you.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites from Happening in the First Place
Now that you know why mosquitoes love you, it’s time to keep them from coming back. Here are some quick tips worth knowing about.
1 – Wear the Right Clothes
You can be stylish AND comfortable. Who says you have to choose when it’s the best of both worlds?
When choosing what to wear, a helpful tip is to take your hot spots (e.i. your forehead, wrists, elbows, and neck) into consideration and plan accordingly. Planning what to wear can be crucial, especially for going outdoors or other settings where you can get exposed. You don’t have to sacrifice your OOTD. You can still rock your OOTD and, at the same time, not worry about annoying mosquitoes. Why not do both?
2 – Pack a Mosquito Repellent
Knowing that you’re a mosquito magnet, you need something to fight against the attraction. There’s nothing wrong with getting a little more protection.
Getting mosquito bites can be annoying, and that’s a good enough reason to put on a mosquito repellent. But remember it’s good for your health too.
3 – Know When It’s Mosquito Season
You might not be aware of this, but mosquito season is a thing. This usually happens during the hot summer months, when it’s humid and time for them to breed and lay eggs.
It’s important to have effective mosquito control measures in place to avoid breeding. Not just during mosquito season, but for every season since some mosquitoes carry diseases. It’s best to be mindful. A good place to start is dumping anything that can hold stagnant water, especially in your yard.
Getting mosquito bites is annoying, especially when you feel like you’re the only one getting them. But at least now you know why! By practicing mosquito control, you’re benefiting your health and comfort.