Mosquitoes Prefer To Bite Some People More Than Others, Scientists Say

Aug 30, 2019 by apost team

Mosquitoes are an unfortunate part of outdoor life in the summer months. While swatting away mosquitoes can be annoying and their bites can be very itchy, they also carry a host of diseases, some of which include serious conditions like West Nile and malaria.

Thankfully, researchers have found that mosquitoes look for certain attributes in their prey. Keeping these facts in mind, one can minimize the chances of getting bitten as the summer comes to a close.

One of the most important things mosquitoes look for in their human victims is what color clothing they wear. Dr. Jonathan Day, a medical entomologist, explains to Time that since mosquitoes usually fly below us, they look for dark colors that clash against the horizon. As such, light colors such as white or yellow will make you less of a target for mosquitoes while red and dark blue clothes will encourage the insects to go after you.

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Blood type also affects a mosquito’s interest in you. Scientists found in a 2004 study that people with Type O blood are 83% more likely to be bitten by a mosquito while those with Type A blood are the least likely to fall prey to the flying bloodsuckers. Mosquitoes and other animals that are attracted to this type of food source can tell blood type through bodily secretions that are exhibited by approximately 85% of human beings.

Consumption of alcohol further makes you a bigger target for mosquitoes. Alcoholic drinks increase both your body temperature and metabolic rate, two physical attributes that attract the interest of mosquitoes, according to a study conducted by the Department of Biodefence Medicine in Japan.

Pregnant women are also more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes. Researchers in Sudan found that mosquitoes preferred to bite pregnant women when they studied a selection of pregnant and non-pregnant women who slept outside.

Finally, chemicals on your skin also make you more of a target for mosquitoes. Specifically, uric and lactic acids from perspiration make you more of a tempting target for insects said Dr. Day to NBC News. Cholesterol and steroids from medication also increase a mosquito’s interest in biting you according to Jerry Butler, PhD, professor emeritus at the University of Florida in WebMD.

Examining the findings of researchers, it is possible to mitigate your chances of getting bitten by a mosquito. While you cannot do anything about your blood type, you can limit the amount of alcohol you drink when mosquitoes are active and wear lighter colors that will make you less of a target for the insects.

What do you think of the scientific community’s research into how mosquitoes choose their prey? Do you have any tips for how to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during the summer months?

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!