Mosquitoes are pesky flying insects that make life miserable for people all over the world. However, according to scientists, some individuals are less fortunate than others. , experts revealed that there are several factors that can make you a more attractive choice for mosquitoes.
- Scientists have discovered why some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others.
- The main factor is the amount of carbon dioxide that a person exhales.
- Mosquitoes are also attracted by dark clothing, higher body temperature or blood type 0.
Jonathan F. Day, a professor of entomology at the University of Florida in the US, explained that mosquitoes perceive multiple signals by which they choose who to bite.. “The most important of them is carbon dioxide (CO2). If, for example, you have a faster metabolism, more of this gas is formed in your body, and therefore you exhale more of it. This will make you more attractive to mosquitoes“, he stated.
Some people attract mosquitoes much more. (illustrative photo)
Source:
iStock
But the expert pointed out that there are also several secondary signals that these flying monsters use to select a target. These include, for example, the amount of lactic acid secreted through the skin, wearing dark clothes or the level of body heat. Dermatologist Melissa Piliang again she added that other factors such as exercise, alcohol consumption, being overweight or pregnancy can also play a role.
Your blood type may also be the reason for more frequent mosquito attacks. Several prestigious studies have confirmed that people with blood type 0 are much more attractive to hungry mosquitoes.
What does a mosquito bite look like?
A mosquito bite is usually recognized by a small bump on the skin, often with a dark spot in the center where the insect punctured the skin. An important knowledge is that only females feed on the blood of animals and humans.
While sucking blood, the mosquito secretes saliva into your body, which the human body perceives as an allergen. This causes swelling and itching at the bite site as the body starts producing histamine to get rid of the saliva. Mosquito bites are usually not dangerous, but in some cases these flying insects can transmit diseases such as malaria or dengue fever, which can be fatal.
A mosquito bite causes swelling and itching. (illustrative photo)
Source:
iStock
There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes in the world, so they don’t all look the same. You can best recognize them by their 6 long legs, wings and a sucker – a long oral apparatus that they use to suck blood. This insect is also characterized by the high-pitched whistling sound it makes during flight. So if you notice these signs, you are probably dealing with a mosquito. In that case, it’s time to get out the repellent and the fly swatter.
