Traits That Make You a Target for Mosquitoes
If you are one of those people who seems to get bit by mosquitoes more often than others, you may be wondering what makes you so special. There are numerous reasons why mosquitoes are attracted to potential victims. However, it has been found that these flying insects have some preferences when it comes to finding their next meal. Here are some of the things that attract mosquitoes:
- It Could be Your Blood Type
Some studies have found that certain mosquitoes, particularly the species Aedes albopictus, are attracted to people with type O blood. They also seem to be attracted to people who produce excessive amounts of certain acids. This includes uric acid, which is a waste product that is created during the digestion of foods that contain purines. These include certain meats, beer, sardines and dried beans.
As such, if you have type O blood and enjoy eating meats and drinking beer at BBQs, you may be making yourself more attractive to mosquitoes. Unfortunately, that means you’ll get bitten more often.
- Mosquitoes Are Drawn to Heat
Not only do mosquitoes have a taste for certain blood types and people who produce excessive amounts of uric acid, but how much body heat you put off could also make you a target of this flying pest. If you are hotter than anyone else around you, then you will stand out from the crowd.
When you are hot, you often sweat, and this can attract more mosquitoes. Mosquitoes have fairly poor eyesight, but they have an outstanding sense of smell. Using their sensilla (small hairs on their mouth parts and antennae), they are able to smell the lactic acid in your sweat, making you a target for their next meal.
- Your Clothes Will Draw Them In
If you are wearing dark clothes during the summer, this could make you a target for mosquitoes. As mentioned, they have terrible eyesight, so they rely on silhouettes to find their next meal. Dark clothes make you easier for mosquitoes to see.
In addition, dark clothes also absorb and retain heat. When wearing dark colors in the summer, you may be heating up your body and making yourself sweat more. Since mosquitoes are drawn to sweat, wearing dark clothes essentially sounds the dinner bell and has these flying insects flocking to you to feed.
Reducing Your Chances of Being Bitten by Mosquitoes
If you’re looking for a way to reduce the number of times mosquitoes bite you, you might consider wearing lighter-colored clothes and refraining from drinking alcohol. While this could reduce your attractiveness to the flying pests, you may still get bitten on occasion.
The most effective way to protect yourself from mosquitoes during the summer is to have your property treated. This might include having a misting system installed or having regular fogging treatments done by a professional. Should you venture away from your home, taking a portable mosquito repellant system with you is in your best interest.
By calling in MosquitoNix®, you can reduce the number of flying insects on your property and how many times you get bitten. We may not be able to change your blood type or do anything about the various traits that attract mosquitoes in droves, but we can remove these pests from your property. Get in touch with us or request a free quote today! Prefer to have a contact-free approach? Try our virtual consultation instead.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
