You must have heard some people say “My blood is sweeter to mosquitoes than other people”. Truth is, they are not wrong. Mosquitoes really do prefer some people to others. Before we go into that, let us answer a major question.
What Attracts Mosquitoes?
Generally, mosquitoes are attracted to
- Colours: Dark colours like red, navy blue, black etc
- Carbon dioxide: When we breathe out, that major waste product, attracts mosquitoes
- Smell: Mosquitoes are attracted to certain smells more than others, so soaps, creams and even perfumes may attract mosquitoes
- What you eat: What you eat can attract mosquitoes, even beer has been shown to attract mosquitoes
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are attractive to mosquitoes because of certain chemicals that they produce.
- If you tend to be warmer than others around you, you will attract more mosquitoes.
- Blood Type: Studies have shown that if you have blood group O, mosquitoes will be attracted to you.
- Your Genes: Yes, genetics play a role in how much you attract mosquitoes
You see, for most of these things, you can affect or change them, your smell, your diet etc, but for some like your genes or your blood group, there is nothing you can do for them at the present.
Yes, just in case you have been thinking that you seem to be more attractive to the mosquitoes than others, you are not wrong. But what can you do instead?
- Don’t go out just immediately after exercising or having a beer
- If you are going to go outside, wear loose fitted clothing, mosquitoes can bite through tight cloths
- Wear bright coloured outside too
- Use mosquito repellent creams, make sure they contain at least 15% DEET
- Point a fan in your direction if you are going to be outside, mosquitoes can not fly in a breeze that is faster than 1 mile per hour
- Clear gutters around you, ensure that water in them is always flowing
- Repair torn nets.
9 responses
Insightful … Thanks
Thank you
Wow I had a great read
I am among those people that mosquito rarely bite
Imagine a combination of about 4 of these factors! No wonder I am always treating malaria.
Insightful
Thanks for the information
Thank you, Doc
Niv one doc
Thankyo