Mosquitoes – they are terrible. One bite can cause a few moments of irritation. Although there are instances when you feel you’re invulnerable, there are cases when you become their favorite meal. I’m not sure if you’ve experienced this but in a group, have you ever noticed why that one friend of yours always gets feasted on by mosquitoes? On the other hand, another friend is always avoided or doesn’t get bitten at all? Scientifically, the comparison is real and I have scientific proof for those. In this article, we’ll be telling you why some people are more prone to mosquito bites.
Large body size
Scientifically speaking, large people have the tendency to inhale and exhale more than the usual. A large person’s metabolic rate is greater than the normal; thus, the amount of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) they release is more. Mosquitoes use CO2 as one of their primary identifiers. They sense this and gather to the area where there is more CO2.
This is one of the main reasons why mosquitoes prefer to lure on adults than children. In coordination with the CO2 radar, they can actually sense the exhaled compound up to 50 meters!
People with Blood Type O
At first, you may think this is theoretical however, there are scientific cues that proves this to be correct.
Metaphorically, some blood types are sweeter and easier to spot. There are studies that suggest that people with Blood Type O are more likely to attract mosquitoes and get bitten. A staggering 83% differs them from the rest of the other blood types. People with Blood Type A on the other hand is the pool that is less likely to get bitten; people in the Type B pool are the ones in the middle.
You recently had a shot of vodka, a glass of beer or wine
Drinking a*****l gives a soothing effect to our body. On the contrary, it raises our metabolic rate causing our temperature to go up as well. Having this said, mosquitoes sense that and they get attracted to it.
They can sense if a person’s temperature increases; they prefer to prey on that rather than someone whose temperature is in the norm.
Red or dark-colored clothing
Apart from temperature rise or blood, mosquitoes also use their sight for their preys. Just like bulls, if they see the red color, it is more likely that they’ll prey on that rather than people who are wearing light-colored clothing.
Medical entomologist and mosquito expert at the University of Florida explained; “Mosquitoes have problems flying in even a slight wind, and so they keep close to the ground. Down there, they spot hosts by comparing your silhouette to the horizon. Dark colours stand out, while light shades blend in.” Having that said, we know that when it’s too windy, they’ll probably stick and rely with their vision.
Sweat
Another thing mosquitoes are attracted to is lactic acid. Lactic acid is the compound produced when you sweat. This is why when it’s hot and your body is taking up sweat, mosquitoes are also lurking around the corner.
In coordination with body temperature as a means of mosquito-attraction, your temperature rises when you sweat. Hence, mosquitoes would prefer to prey on you than someone else.
Body elements are also mosquito-attractors
85% of the reason why people are always flooded by mosquitoes is because of genetics. There are people who produce a little bit less and a little bit more of something; elements like uric acid, cholesterol, lactic acid, etc. These people tend to attract MORE and MORE mosquitoes. Even if they haven’t drank a*****l, if they’re not sweating; they just plainly release more chemicals. Although this is the case, it doesn’t necessarily mean that mosquitoes prefer preying on people with high levels of cholesterol. The reason why is because the metabolic process of cholesterol in their body is faster than the usual. Then, the byproducts of those processes remain surfaced in the skin.
There was a study done by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. The said study found that people who are bitten less frequently seem to “smell differently to mosquitoes;” it’s like they produce a mosquito repellent scent.
A pregnant woman is also high in chances of being bitten
Although this one is not a genetically-bound case, pregnant women are prone to mosquito bites. Pregnant women are twice as likely to attract mosquitoes, according to a study conducted in Africa. Why? Because they release a slightly greater amount of CO2.
Hey, I’m not that of a mosquito-black sheep after all! There are scientific proofs that are enough evidence to support why some people are more prone to mosquito bites than others.
Now that you know this is the case, it is imperative for you to take good care of yourself because although not all mosquitoes are deadly, some are carrying a handful of diseases like malaria and dengue.
