Most of us have probably experienced the red, itchy bumps that develop after being bitten by a mosquito. They usually just produce a minor annoyance that passes with time.
However, have you ever had the impression that you get bitten by mosquitoes more frequently than other people? That question might have a scientific answer, then.
If it seems that way, mosquitoes may very well prefer you to other individuals. Studies show that 20% of people have a very potent attraction to these insects.
Numerous factors, including your blood type, clothing, breathing rhythm, or even the bacteria on your skin, may make mosquitoes more attracted to you. Let’s look at a few causes for why certain people attract mosquitoes more than others.
Blood type is important.
Given that mosquitoes bite humans to obtain proteins from our blood, research suggests that particular blood types may appeal to them more than others. One study conducted in a lab environment discovered that Type O blood users had mosquito bites almost twice as frequently as Type A recipients. Type B blood recipients experienced average levels of irritation.
In addition, 85% of people emit a chemical signal via their skin that identifies their blood type, whereas 15% do not, according to other genes. Mosquitoes are attracted to secretors more than non secretors, regardless of blood type.
Skin microbes
Let’s talk about body odour now. Body odour is produced when the bacteria on your skin (skin microbiota) decompose the components in your perspiration and release them through your skin as odorous byproducts.
Because a number of these metabolites are proven mosquito attractants, it is thought that body odour likely has a substantial impact on mosquito choice.
Because we all have different combinations and types of bacteria on our skin, our own body odours differ. This diversity is meant to help us understand what makes one human more alluring to a mosquito than another, while the intricacies aren’t entirely known.
Dioxide of carbon
Carbon dioxide is created each and every time we exhale. Additionally, we produce more when we are active, such as when we exercise.
Changes in the amount of carbon dioxide in their surroundings can be detected by mosquitoes. Studies suggest that various mosquito species may react differently to carbon dioxide.
A mosquito may become aware of a possible host as carbon dioxide levels rise. A swarm of mosquitoes will then fly that way.
Additionally, beer drinkers are more susceptible to mosquito bites.
Who knew ants enjoyed beer? In one study, researchers found that participants who had eaten one litre of beer were significantly more drawn to mosquitoes than participants who had consumed the same volume of water.
However, it is still unclear what is causing this rise. Skin temperature or carbon dioxide exhalation did not link with alcohol intake or mosquito landings. However, the findings suggest that you should take precautions against mosquitoes when drinking alcohol.
Mosquito bites are more common in pregnant women.
Numerous studies have shown that pregnant women get bitten by mosquitoes about twice as often as non-pregnant people. This is likely caused by the unlucky coincidence of the following two elements: They breathe about 21% more carbon dioxide than average persons and are typically 1.26 degrees Fahrenheit warmer.
Relational ties
It is believed that underlying genetic factors, whether they manifest through blood type, metabolism, or other traits, account for 85% of the variation between people in their appeal to mosquitoes. Unfortunately, there is no method to change these genes.