Melgas do not bite at random and there are people who, for different reasons, end up being clearly preferred. The phenomenon repeats itself every summer and always raises the same question. Why do some seem to escape while others accumulate bites?
According to Notícias ao Minuto, a Portuguese portal specializing in current affairs and lifestyle, a study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology indicates that individuals with type O blood are more frequently targeted by these insects than those with type A. The explanation may lie in substances released through the skin, which function as chemical signals and help mosquitoes identify their victims.
The role of carbon dioxide
The first attraction factor is invisible. Mosquitoes are highly sensitive to the carbon dioxide released in their breath. The greater the quantity produced, the greater the probability of attracting these insects.
This detail helps explain seemingly random differences. People with higher metabolisms, larger bodies or even in specific situations such as pregnancy produce more CO2, making them easier to locate.
What the body releases makes a difference
In addition to carbon dioxide, the human body emits other compounds that influence the behavior of melgas. Lactic acid, for example, increases after physical exercise and can enhance attractiveness.
Those who play sports or are more active tend to generate more heat and release more substances through the skin. This set of signals works almost like a guide for insects, which seek sources of blood based on these stimuli.
Body heat and target selection
The heat emitted by the body is another decisive element. Mosquitoes prefer areas where the blood is closer to the surface of the skin, something more common in people with a slightly higher body temperature.
This factor, combined with blood circulation, helps explain why certain areas of the body are more frequently bitten and why some people always seem to be the ones chosen.
The influence of clothing
There is still a detail that is often ignored. Mosquitoes have good vision and can distinguish contrasts in the environment. Dark clothes stand out more and make the human body easier to identify.
Choosing light colors can reduce this visibility and reduce the likelihood of being targeted, especially in the late afternoon or at night, when these insects are most active.
Lifestyle also counts
Everyday habits have a direct impact. Alcohol consumption, for example, can increase attractiveness by altering metabolism and body odor. Excess weight and pregnancy are also associated with greater heat and carbon dioxide emissions.
Small differences in the organism end up making a big difference in the way each person is perceived by mosquitoes.
According to the same source, understanding these factors allows you to adjust behaviors and reduce the risk of bites, especially in warmer periods, when the activity of these insects tends to increase.
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