Have you ever thought to yourself “I’m constantly getting bitten by mosquitoes, surely mosquitoes have a special attraction to me. Why do mosquitoes bite me more than my friends and family members?” I decided to do some research on the topic and this is what I found.
Here are some reasons some people are more attractive to mosquitoes: Some people produce more lactic acid which attracts mosquitoes, being pregnant is also a contributing factor. People who produce more carbon dioxide will get bitten more often as a result.
Am I more susceptible to mosquito bites?
Known factors that attract these flying bugs include your genetics, what you eat, physiology as well as your personal sent signature. A high combination of sense are known to attract mosquitoes.
Lactic acid:
Humans let off a fragrance called lactic acid, this lactic acid is a by-product of respiration as well as a variety of fatty acids that our skin releases. There’s not much you can do to decrease your lactic acid output. A quick solution that’s an option is washing more regularly to remove excess body odor.
Carbon dioxide:
Carbon dioxide from the air we exhale is also something that mosquitoes are attracted to. This one of the key clues they use when locating us. When we exhale the carbon dioxide on our breath as well as our body odours can be carried downwind attracting mosquitoes.
Pregnancy:
Pregnant woman and overweight people give off more sweat and carbon dioxide. Pregnant woman are especially more susceptible. This is because they exhale 21% greater carbon dioxide, especially later in the pregnancy, when compared to women who are not pregnant. The stomachs of pregnant women are also hotter which mosquitoes are attracted to
Other factors
Other factors which affect the rate that you get bitten can include what you wear. Mosquitoes are attracted to you if you clothing contrasts with your environment, this allows them to see you better.
A researcher created a test where he did not change his socks for 12 days. He found that the mosquitoes were attracted to his sweat. Bacteria developed in this sweat, the same bacteria which is used when producing Limburger cheese. This attracted mosquitoes.
Dark clothes also trap heat on you which attracts mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing. You should wear baggy clothing as long as there are no entries for mosquitoes. I suggest tucking your pants into your shoes or socks before heading into insect infested areas.
Your perfume might be the reason mosquitoes are trying to bite you. They are attracted to and are used to feeding on sweet flower nectar, your floral perfume could be bringing them in. It is said that Victoria Secret bombshell is a repellent, so if you’re interested in the sent as well as the mosquito repelling properties this might be an option.
The time of day that you are out might be calling mosquitoes to you. I suggest spending less time outdoors during these times to reduce your insect bite rate.
Getting mosquitoes to stop biting me
Stay inside:
In order to avoid mosquitoes from biting you can minimize the time outdoors especially during mosquito peak hours. This is from dusk to dawn. Especially during the summer months.
Repellent:
If you are in the outdoors we suggest wearing either a commercial or homemade insect repellent. Some examples of these would be products that contain DEET or an essential oil repellent. You can also make your own repellent, some good oils to use include oil of lemon and eucalyptus. For some general repellent and insecticide click this link, for some natural alternatives click this link
Don’t drink beer:
You can try reducing the amount of beer that you consume. Surprisingly mosquitoes have a taste for beer. Drinking 12 oz of beer will attract mosquitoes. This is because of the increased levels of ethanol in the content of the sweat. As well as the skin temperature which increases after consuming beer.
Exercise inside:
Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat, body odor and carbon dioxide. To prevent mosquitoes from seeing you as target do not exercise outside. Rather exercise inside or if this isn’t possible avoid exercising at time the mosquitoes will be out.
Natural remedies:
36% of people prefer to use natural repellents when dealing with insects. It’s easy to understand why because you know exactly what’s in the product so you won’t be hit by some nasty surprises when using it.
Lemongrass oil:
This is an effective as an insect repellent. Adding another oil, for example, cinnamon bark oil can strengthen the effects.
Lavender:
This is a great natural bug repellent which wards off insects. You can buy the lavender essential oil and add it to your current lotion or moisturizers or you can use a lavender-scented repellent.
Peppermint oil
This is also something that can be used as bugs hate the smell. Rub peppermint oil on your skin to repel the mosquitoes. It also has the same effect on birds.
Herbs
If you are having a grill or barbecue you can use garlic basil and or rosemary on your food which also adds to the dishes taste.
Burning sage
This is also an option as an insect repellent, it is quite effective in keeping mosquitoes away.
Thyme
Thyme is also a good herb to burn when trying to get rid of mosquitoes. It is 85 – 95% effective when trying to repel mosquitoes.
Eucalyptus oil
It’s something that can be used as bugs hate the smell. Rub eucalyptus essential oil on your skin to ensure that mosquitoes avoid you.
Change in the environment to keep mosquitoes at bay
To prevent mosquitoes entering your home you can mosquito proof your home by using porch screens and window screens as well.
Standing water is a breeding ground for them. You can prevent creating a mosquito colony by checking for and eliminating locations where bodies of water can emerge in your landscape.
Night lights with an LED of a warmer temperature can be used to deter pests. The light quality is just as effective as yellow lights. These lights keep mosquitoes away as well as keeping other flying bugs away.
I suggest checking nooks and crannies to find and get rid of possible water spots. Start by emptying out roof gutters, children’s kiddie pools, changing bird bath water regularly (weekly if possible), unused flower pots or containers as well as removing the accumulation of water at entrances.
You can also try home DIY, here are some do’s and don’ts you should think about before you do this.
If you want to know why pests are attracted to your home and what to do click this link.
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