Wearing black and drinking beer… these are seven things that make you a target for mosquitoes
If you're the unlucky soul who gets bitten all over on holiday, this is why
HAVE you ever wondered why mosquitoes make a beeline for some people while others escape bite free?
If you’re one of the unlucky ones, you spend your holiday smothered in itchy red lumps while your family and friends barely get bothered at all.
Becoming a Mecca for mozzies can put the mockers on your well-earned break but it’s not as random as it may seem.
Here are seven things that might be attracting the little critters.
What you’re wearing
Mosquitoes use vision to pick their victims, especially in the late afternoon, and colours can affect your chances of getting bitten.
Dark colours, such as navy, black and red, makes you easier to spot.
Breathing
Not something you can stop, obviously, but mozzies are attracted by carbon dioxide, which we all exhale. But some breathe in and out more than others, particularly larger people.
The little critters can sense CO2 from 160 feet and that’s why they buzz around the head at night.
Being Pregnant
Having a bun in the oven can make you more attractive to mozzies, possibly because of increased breathing patterns. Pregnant women exhale 21 per cent more breath than non-pregnant ones and their abdomen’s are also warmer, making them a go-to place for the insects.
One study in Africa found that pregnant women are twice as attractive to mosquitoes which is a particular concern in those countries where the Zika Virus is prevalent.
Drinking Beer
Apparently, the tiny boozers love a beer. Drinking just half a pint of the Brits’ favourite tipple means you’re more likely to get bitten.
It’s all down to increased ethanol in sweat and slightly higher skin temperature, but scientists have been unable to pin down the exact reason.
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Blood type
Obviously you can’t change this one but it all boils down to some types being more desirable than others.
Scientists have found that people with Type O blood are found to be twice as attractive to mosquitoes than those with Type A while Type B people were in between.
Most of us – 85 per cent – secrete signals which tell mosquitoes what type they are. If you’re one of the lucky 15 per cent they’re likely to leave you alone.
Sweating
When your sweat your body oozes all sorts of things including lactic acid, uric acid, and ammonia , which the mozzies can smell.
Also, they love heat in skin. If you exercise your body is warmer so they will head straight for your hot body.
Microbes
The bacteria living on your skin plays a big factor in your yumminess. Everyone is teaming with microbes but research shows that men with more of some bacteria, but fewer types, were more attractive than those with a more diverse community.
Smelly feet – where bacteria is rife – are also a draw which explains why ankles are frequently munched.
