Ever wondered why one of the world’s deadliest bugs is obsessed with some people more? Here's the buzz to stay bite-free. 🦟
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00:00Only 20% of the population is the preferred target of mosquitoes, according to laboratory
00:06studies.
00:07But contrary to popular beliefs, having mosquito-prone skin is a myth.
00:11Let me explain why mosquitoes are only targeting you.
00:15There are around 3,500 mosquito species in the world, spread across all continents with
00:21the exception of Antarctica.
00:23Mosquitoes spot their prey using the CO2 that they exhale.
00:27They can detect the person from 50 meters away.
00:33People who are overweight emit more CO2, making them more prone to bites.
00:37Likewise, pregnant women are almost two times more likely to be bitten than average.
00:43Mosquitoes are also drawn to certain smells, especially sweat.
00:47So we are more likely to be bitten after doing exercise.
00:50The smells that attract them also depend on one's body temperature, the bacteria on
00:55our skin, and our genes.
00:57But these factors vary from one type of mosquito to the next.
01:01For example, Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes prefer the smell of our hands and feet.
01:07These mosquitoes also choose their targets based on blood type.
01:10A study found that mosquitoes landed on individuals with type O blood nearly twice as often as
01:16those with type A blood.
01:18People with type B blood fell somewhere in between the spectrum.
01:25Another factor that attracts mosquitoes is beer.
01:28But what does alcohol have to do with mosquito bites?
01:32In one experiment, researchers in Japan got a group of volunteers to drink a beer and
01:37then exposed them to mosquitoes.
01:39It was found that those who drank were bitten more than the control group.
01:44According to researchers, it might have happened because alcohol raises the body temperature
01:48of drinkers and makes them sweat more, both known to attract mosquitoes.
01:57The color of your clothing can also influence mosquito attraction.
02:02Research has shown that mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, particularly black.
02:06But the exact reason for this preference is not well understood.
02:10But how can a mosquito's bite be dangerous to a human being?
02:14Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals on the planet.
02:17They act as vectors for diseases such as malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, yellow fever, Zika,
02:23chikungunya and lymphatic filariasis, which together kill more people in the world than
02:29any other creature.
02:30As of 30 April 2024, India registered more than 19,000 confirmed cases of dengue.
02:36Zika virus has also become a public health concern in India.
02:40The Centre has issued an advisory to all states considering the rising Zika cases in Maharashtra,
02:45asking for constant visual and focus on pregnant women who have tested positive for the infection.
02:51So how can you protect yourself from these annoying bugs?
02:54Avoid shady or overgrown outdoor spaces and wet or moist areas as mosquitoes are more
03:00prevalent in such places.
03:02Use extra protection during evenings and mornings when mosquitoes are most active.
03:07Use an insect repellent and wear shoes, socks, long pants or a long-sleeved shirt to avoid
03:13mosquito bites.
03:14Reduce the amount of stagnant water available in or near your house to prevent mosquito
03:19breeding.
03:20Ensure your windows and doors have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquito entry.
03:25Using a mosquito net is especially helpful.