Mosquitoes choose their prey — you, perhaps — based on a combination of factors. But there's good news: Some things that might make you attractive to mosquitoes you can actually change. Scientific research has found evidence supporting several factors that encourage the insects to seek you out. These studies often involve different kinds of mosquitoes, however, so the things that attract them to you may vary depending on which species live nearby. And many of these studies are small, so keep in mind that these are preliminary hypotheses, not ironclad conclusions.
Mosquitoes are known to transmit deadly diseases like Zika, malaria, yellow fever, dengue, Chikungunya, and West Nile virus. So even though the traits that attract the bugs aren't fully understood, it's wise to try to reduce your allure as much as you can. Here are some factors that scientists have found might make you irresistible to the pests:
1. Carbon dioxide
This one is quite hard to avoid as your body naturally produces around 2.3 pounds of carbon dioxide a day, which is breathed out through your lungs.
We all need to breathe, so don't think about holding your breath all day just to avoid a few mosquitoes.
However, mosquitoes tend to prefer people who emit more than the standard levels of carbon dioxide.
This is common among pregnant women and overweight people.
2. Lactic Acid
This won't be good news for athletic types out there.
Mosquitoes love the lactic acid that your body produces whilst working out.
The acid is released via your sweat, making you a prime target, especially if you are hot and tired.
Exercise is obviously important but perhaps going for a jog near a lake or wetlands isn't advisable.
3. Beer
This news will be very disappointing for anyone who enjoys the occasional pint.
Some studies have discovered that mosquitoes are attracted to beer drinkers.
The Conversation points out that this is only relevant to one type of mosquito so you might not have to worry too much.
It's good news for you sober individuals out there who don't have to worry either way.
4. Type O Blood
Changing your blood isn't advisable but if you have Type O blood running through your veins try to remain vigilant.
Research posted by the Journal of Medical Entomology found that mosquitoes were 83.3 percent more likely to land on type O carriers than type A carriers.
Unfortunately, the NHS record that blood group O is the most common in the UK, belonging to 48 percent of the population.
However, as with beer drinkers this line of thinking only appears to apply to one particular species of mosquito.
5. Genes
There is also the belief that mosquitoes could be attracted to you because of your genetic make-up.
Something in your DNA, passed down over generations could be behind mosquitoes fondness for you.
Music: Mighty Mouse's Moon Shot by Dhruva Aliman
https://dhruvaaliman.bandcamp.com/album/hello-moon
http://www.dhruvaaliman.com/
Mosquitoes are known to transmit deadly diseases like Zika, malaria, yellow fever, dengue, Chikungunya, and West Nile virus. So even though the traits that attract the bugs aren't fully understood, it's wise to try to reduce your allure as much as you can. Here are some factors that scientists have found might make you irresistible to the pests:
1. Carbon dioxide
This one is quite hard to avoid as your body naturally produces around 2.3 pounds of carbon dioxide a day, which is breathed out through your lungs.
We all need to breathe, so don't think about holding your breath all day just to avoid a few mosquitoes.
However, mosquitoes tend to prefer people who emit more than the standard levels of carbon dioxide.
This is common among pregnant women and overweight people.
2. Lactic Acid
This won't be good news for athletic types out there.
Mosquitoes love the lactic acid that your body produces whilst working out.
The acid is released via your sweat, making you a prime target, especially if you are hot and tired.
Exercise is obviously important but perhaps going for a jog near a lake or wetlands isn't advisable.
3. Beer
This news will be very disappointing for anyone who enjoys the occasional pint.
Some studies have discovered that mosquitoes are attracted to beer drinkers.
The Conversation points out that this is only relevant to one type of mosquito so you might not have to worry too much.
It's good news for you sober individuals out there who don't have to worry either way.
4. Type O Blood
Changing your blood isn't advisable but if you have Type O blood running through your veins try to remain vigilant.
Research posted by the Journal of Medical Entomology found that mosquitoes were 83.3 percent more likely to land on type O carriers than type A carriers.
Unfortunately, the NHS record that blood group O is the most common in the UK, belonging to 48 percent of the population.
However, as with beer drinkers this line of thinking only appears to apply to one particular species of mosquito.
5. Genes
There is also the belief that mosquitoes could be attracted to you because of your genetic make-up.
Something in your DNA, passed down over generations could be behind mosquitoes fondness for you.
Music: Mighty Mouse's Moon Shot by Dhruva Aliman
https://dhruvaaliman.bandcamp.com/album/hello-moon
http://www.dhruvaaliman.com/
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