What Makes You The Target Of Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are one of the biggest threats to spring and summer fun. A bite on the skin leaves behind an itchy red welt and possibly even something more serious like an illness. As you swat crazily at these pests, you notice that other people around you are not being targeted. Why?
Mosquitoes prefer to bite certain people over others. 1 in 10 people are the most targeted candidates for mosquito bites, according to Jerry Butler, Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida. But it is not dinner that they are trying to suck out of you. Female mosquitoes need human blood to develop fertile eggs and not everyone’s blood will help them achieve their goal.
Scientists have been studying the triggers of mosquito bites for years, especially the compounds and odors we exude. Although they are still going through the 400+ compounds and odors and testing them, scientists are certain that genetics account for 85% of mosquito bites.
People with high concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin surface attract more mosquitos, experts argue. As well, people with excess amounts of acids produced, such as uric acids, are also more susceptible. These substances trigger a sense of smell in the pests, luring them to land on the unsuspecting victims. Another recommendation for avoiding the onslaught of mosquito bites is to try to keep to one spot as opposed to moving around because mosquitos sense movement and will heard towards you.
How to Keep the Bites at Bay?
There are plenty of mosquito repellents being sold in drugstores, convenience stores and supermarkets. It’s important to understand that they are not all created equally. The best products are ones with DEET. DEET continues to be the chemical of choice used in repellents successfully for over 45 years. If you have children aged 2 years of age or less, it is recommended to have a low concentration of DEET i.e. 10% or less.
Other Ways to Repel Mosquitoes:
Mosquitoes prefer to bite certain people over others. 1 in 10 people are the most targeted candidates for mosquito bites, according to Jerry Butler, Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida. But it is not dinner that they are trying to suck out of you. Female mosquitoes need human blood to develop fertile eggs and not everyone’s blood will help them achieve their goal.
Scientists have been studying the triggers of mosquito bites for years, especially the compounds and odors we exude. Although they are still going through the 400+ compounds and odors and testing them, scientists are certain that genetics account for 85% of mosquito bites.
People with high concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin surface attract more mosquitos, experts argue. As well, people with excess amounts of acids produced, such as uric acids, are also more susceptible. These substances trigger a sense of smell in the pests, luring them to land on the unsuspecting victims. Another recommendation for avoiding the onslaught of mosquito bites is to try to keep to one spot as opposed to moving around because mosquitos sense movement and will heard towards you.
How to Keep the Bites at Bay?
There are plenty of mosquito repellents being sold in drugstores, convenience stores and supermarkets. It’s important to understand that they are not all created equally. The best products are ones with DEET. DEET continues to be the chemical of choice used in repellents successfully for over 45 years. If you have children aged 2 years of age or less, it is recommended to have a low concentration of DEET i.e. 10% or less.
Other Ways to Repel Mosquitoes:
- Wear light-colored clothing; dark-colored clothes attract these pests
- Wear long sleeve shirts, pants, socks and hat; especially when sitting on the patio or in the shade.
- Discard standing waters around the home as these pests are known to breed in water.
- Ensure all doors are closed quickly during the spring and summer months.
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