Yes, you heard it right, mosquitoes also have taste preferences! Why do mosquitoes bite some people more than others? When it comes to feeding, they are choosy too. Some people tend to be bitten more frequently than others. Have you ever noticed why mosquitoes bite certain people and others are totally spared of the same? And how sometimes mosquitoes bite some people and not others in your family too?
In this blog, we will answer all these questions and more. Why mosquitoes target some people considering them their favourite? What is it about those unlucky few that make them the mosquito bites magnet?
Well, there is an infinite number of mosquito species, all having different preferences when it comes to who they love to bite. And guess what? Only the female mosquitoes bite as they need a nutritional diet to develop eggs.
3 Key Reasons that Attract Mosquitoes
Here are a few factors that throw light upon what attracts mosquitoes and why mosquito bites are more in few people.
1) Exercise
Did you notice that mosquito bites increase more after your exercise session? Well, this is because mosquitoes are attracted more to lactic acid produced by your body after it is subjected to physical strain like exercise or workout.
2) Basement
The second most prone places that attract mosquitoes is the basement of your house, it can easily become a home to these annoying creatures too. They are happiest if they can hide under heaters, furnaces, washers and all dark places as they can easily escape from you.
3) Living Room and Bedroom
Shelter and hiding spot is what attracts mosquitoes into your living rooms and bedrooms. These spaces in your home offer those pests everything they want from biting you to getting a cozy corner for them to breed infest. What attracts mosquitoes to your living room and bedroom are plants, dark humid places and stored water. So prevent mosquito bites by keeping these places well lit, dry and check on plants often to spot any breeding of mosquitoes in the soil.
15 Common Reasons What Attracts Mosquitoes Most
Mosquito bite may seem like a random occurrence but there are actually several reasons why mosquitoes bite certain people more than others. These reasons include factors such as blood type, alcohol, genetics etc. By understanding these factors we can take steps to reduce our risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and avoid the discomfort and potential health risks that come with their bites. Here is some of the reasons:
- Type ‘O’ Blood: What’s your blood type by the way? Feel lucky if you do not have the type ‘O’ blood group. This is because mosquitoes bite people with type ‘O’ blood more as per research. Which are the least attractive group of blood, you ask? Its type ‘A’ blood!
- Alcohol: Those who consume alcohol attract more mosquitoes because having alcohol makes one’s body temperature to increase. An increased body temperature gives out heat and heat attracts mosquitoes, making them bite you.
- Pregnancy: Did you know that pregnancy is what attracts mosquitoes? Yes, some species of mosquitoes are more attracted to pregnant women that those who are not. Reason for this being that pregnant women exhale more carbon dioxide than others hence mosquito bites happen more often. This fact can be related to how Zika virus posed a threat to babies by infecting a lot of pregnant mothers.
- Dark Colours: Mosquitoes use their eyes to target their victims. Hence their visual power makes them move towards a person and eventually bite them. They usually attack people early in the morning or later in the afternoon. What attracts mosquitoes is dark colour clothing, especially black and red makes them spot you more!
- Carbon Dioxide: Mosquitoes are highly sensitive to carbon dioxide, which we exhale when we breathe. People who produce more carbon dioxide, such as larger individuals or pregnant women, tend to attract more mosquitoes.
- Body Heat: Mosquitoes are attracted to the heat emitted by our bodies. Active individuals or those who naturally have higher body temperatures may be more appealing to mosquitoes.
- Skin Microbes: Our skin is teeming with a diverse array of microbes, and some of these bacteria produce distinct odors that attract mosquitoes. Research suggests that certain combinations of skin bacteria make individuals more attractive to mosquitoes.
- Lactic Acid: Mosquitoes are drawn to lactic acid, a compound produced when we sweat. People who produce more lactic acid or engage in physical activities that induce sweating may be more susceptible to mosquito bites.
- Fragrances and Perfumes: Certain scents from perfumes, lotions, soaps, and even fabric softeners can attract mosquitoes. Floral or fruity fragrances, as well as strong scents, can make individuals more appealing to these insects.
- Body Movement: Mosquitoes are adept at detecting movement and can sense their prey from a distance. Individuals who move more frequently or vigorously may attract more mosquitoes.
- Genetics: Some studies suggest that genetics play a role in determining an individual’s attractiveness to mosquitoes. People with a certain genetic makeup may produce odors or chemical cues that make them more appealing to these insects.
- Time of Day: Mosquitoes tend to be more active during dawn and dusk. Being outdoors during these times increases the likelihood of being bitten. Additionally, mosquitoes are more attracted to individuals during the early evening hours.
- Stagnant Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so having ponds, birdbaths, or other sources of standing water near your home can attract these insects. Eliminating stagnant water can help reduce mosquito populations.
- Skin Temperature: Mosquitoes are drawn to areas of the body with higher temperatures, such as the neck, forehead, and wrists. Protecting these areas with appropriate clothing or repellents can help prevent mosquito bites.
- Genetic Resistance: Some individuals may possess a genetic resistance to mosquito bites. Certain people produce chemicals or substances that repel mosquitoes, making them less attractive targets.
Do you belong to any of these types stated above? If you nodded then its time to prevent mosquito bites by calling the mosquito control experts HICARE!
Top 9 Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites
- Keep bathrooms dry and clean
- Throw away trash from the bin daily
- Keep your cabinets clean and avoid any dampness
- Check drainage & pipes for any leakage and repair if needed
- Clean, clean, clean! Keep the kitchen as clean as you can
- Keep the areas lighted up as the pests won’t hide where there is no darkness
- Keep the basement clear of any dirt
- Don’t keep the area damp
- Repair all leakages and dripping appliances to prevent musty smells and moisture as that may attract bugs and rodents too.
About HiCare
Call HiCare today for the best advice and mosquito control service. HiCare offers one of the best pest solutions for homes and commercial premises. Get a Pest control done in your home (Pest control in Bangalore, Pest control in Chennai, Pest control in Mumbai) every couple of months to ensure your home is free of any mosquito eggs, especially this monsoon season.
If you wish to take any further advice or a quick visit by our expert technician, call us on 8828333888 or visit HiCare to contact us!