Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others?
HuffPost • • health
Key Points:
- Mosquitoes are attracted to certain people more than others due to factors like blood type, with Type O individuals being nearly twice as likely to be bitten as those with Type A, according to a study in the Journal of Medical Entomology.
- Key attractants for mosquitoes include carbon dioxide output, lactic acid from the skin, body heat, and dark clothing, which make some people more noticeable and appealing to these insects.
- Lifestyle factors such as exercise, alcohol consumption, pregnancy, and higher metabolic rates can increase a person's attractiveness to mosquitoes.
- To prevent bites, experts recommend avoiding peak mosquito activity times at sunrise and sunset, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellents containing about 5% DEET for effective coverage.
- If bitten, scratching should be avoided to prevent infection; instead, applying ice, hydrocortisone creams, or taking antihistamines can help alleviate itching and discomfort.
